A
story about tennis and love
I tend to
select odd films as guilty pleasures. Ever so
often, a Hollywood, cliche' ridden film just
really hits the spot for me. This has included
such films as "Rudy" and, on a certain level,
even "Hoosiers."
"Wimbledon" is such a film for me. It is a
Hollywood, cliche' ridden film with lots of
flaws but it appeals to me because of its
simplicity, heart and winning performances by
Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst.
"Wimbledon" is the story, essentially, of two
pro tennis players. Peter Colt (How many times
has that name been used in a film?), played by
Paul Bettany, has announced the tournament as
his last after falling on hard times and being
ranked #119 in the world. Lizzie Bradbury,
played by Dunst, is at the top of her game and
one of the favorites at Wimbledon. They meet, he
becomes inspired and she becomes somewhat
distracted. It's a fairly basic story with
nothing really original to offer throughout the
story. Indeed, nearly everything here is
remarkably predictable.
Yet, what I find charming with this film is what
I often adore about Hugh Grant's British films.
There's a simplicity, an honesty and a sincerity
that just constantly made me smile and
constantly held my interest. Even as I knew
exactly what would happen, I found myself
wanting to see it happen. I wanted the
"Hollywood" happy ending.
Bettany, who I've never been particularly fond
of, adds a likeability to his character that
makes it nearly impossible to not root for him.
He treats Lizzie well, his family well, the
hotel staff well and the ballboy well. He is a
respected player even though he's nearly
universally accepted as a "loser" without the
killer instinct necessary to really win. Bettany
takes this English tennis player and does a nice
job of balancing his character's insecurities
and yet the confidence underneath. Is it an
award-winning performance? No. It is, however, a
very appealing one that balances well to Dunst.
Dunst, on the other hand, is able to do
tremendous things by simply looking at the
camera. Her eyes communicate powerfully, and she
emotes with her entire body. That works well
with this character, who is immensely driven and
yet obviously hungers for a touch of humanity.
Most of the other characters in the film are
mostly caricatures, including Sam Neill as
Lizzie's dad and performances by Robert Lindsay
and Jon Favreau.
The film, produced by Working Title films, is
similar in tone to their earlier hits such as
"Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Notting
Hill." The soundtrack is exceptional and works
well with the action. I still find myself
singing along to a David Gray tune I heard early
in the film.
There are irritating aspects to this film, most
notably the lack of anticipation and energy
during Colt's final match. The cinematographer
made a couple odd choices during this match that
pulled me immediately out of the action.
Additionally, while the "Hollywood" worked for
me I wanted more character development in the
script. Finally, while I liked the introduction
of inner dialogue during the closing match it
became a bit overdone...especially when combined
with the slow motion camera work.
Truthfully, I'm unsure if "Wimbledon" is truly a
"B" film...yet, it becomes a "B" film because
through the cliche's and flaws I found myself
tremendously enjoying the film. I cared about
the resolution of the film, and the closure for
these characters. Sometimes, a film just
works...it may not be a perfect film...it may
not razzle and dazzle...it may not feature the
finest production values or even the best acting
in the world. For me, "Wimbledon" works and I'm
glad I watched it.
©
Written by Richard
Propes
TC Candler's Comment
N/A
Jacob
Hall's Comment
N/A
