TheChez.net

By: Dukemich

The Legend of Bagger Vance has a great cast, which is comprised of Matt Damon, Will Smith, Charlize Theron, and Jack Lemmon. Among the four of them they have combined for four Oscars and 10 Oscar nominations. It is directed by Robert Redford who has compiled one Oscar and two Oscar nominations. Sounds like a great movie right? Well yes and no. Critics clearly didn’t like the movie(42% on Rotten Tomatoes). The movie did horrible in the box office (About $30 million). Hhhhmmm… so why do I think this movie is so good? Well I think there’s a problem with people understanding the movie because Robert Redford leaves a lot open to interpretation.

First, the story is told from the perspective of Old Hardy Greaves(Jack Lemmon winner of 2 Oscars and nominated for 6 others) which is a plus. He narrates the film(no it’s not Morgan Freeman this time). However, the story centers on the sport of golf. As much as I love golf that sport just doesn’t pull people in to want to see a movie. However, the game of golf is a metaphor to life. Golf is not a fair game just like life. You could play an incredible 18 holes one day and then just absolutely suck the next day(trust me I know). The storyline of the movie is getting a man’s(Rannulph Junuh played by Matt Damon) life back on track after a tragic event. Throughout the movie the path of his life mirrors the improvement in his golf game.

Second, Will’s Smith’s character, Bagger Vance, is a very mysterious character and(I’m using the same concept as ssjrem highlight the next part to read.) *Spoiler Alert* you never find out who he actually is END. His purpose in the film is to help improve Junuh’s life. Not only does he try to help Junuh get his life back on track but also he provides subtle humor.We first see Bagger when he walks in through the darkness with a suitcase in his hand. He walks in from a field where Junuh is hitting golf balls. Junuh says, “I could’ve killed you out there.” Bagger replies, “Oh no sir ya see I positioned myself directly in front of you. Judging by how you was hittin’ them balls I figured that’s where I’d be out of harm’s way.” Bagger becomes even more mysterious when *SPOLIER ALERT*he starts saying things that Junuh’s love interest Adele Invergordon(Charlize Theron) said to him earlier in the movie. He also seems to know a lot more about Junuh’s life than he should and this shocks Junuh. END

Interpreting Bagger Vance

Personally, I see Bagger Vance as being God or an angel but again Robert Redford leaves that for you to interpret. The reason I say this is because he offers to help Junuh in return for five dollars which is basically nothing. Also, nobody knows who he is. Furthermore,*SPOLIER ALERT* in the climax Bagger states to Junuh, “… you ain’t alone. I’m right here with you. I’ve been here all along. END In addition, *SPOILER ALERT* Bagger appears to be calling him into heaven after Old Hardy Greaves appears to die of a heart attack on a golf course(obviously). END

History

Another aspect of the movie that pulled me in was the use of history. The movie takes you through World War I and the Great Depression. Throughout the movie we see how these events have affected the main characters for better or for worse(mostly for worse). Moreover, the movie has two of the greatest golfers ever in Bobby Jones and Walter Hagan play against Rannulph Junuh in an exhibition golf tournament which is the main stage for the entire movie. The movie tells you the personalities and styles of play of the two golfers.

Music

The movie has great music. My favorite is the Lux Aeterna… haha just kidding ssjrem. Anyway the music captures the mood of the characters and scene perfectly throughout the film. The audience pretty much knows how it should feel without even seeing the scene in the movie. It only has to here the music.

WATCH IT!!

In conclusion, The Legend of Bagger Vance is a great movie with a great cast. Just use your brain when you watch the movie and you’ll enjoy it.