The Legend Of Bagger Vance
In The Legend Of Bagger Vance the title character explains, ÒInside each and every one of us there is one true authentic swing.Ó If golf is a microcosm of life, then the game itself can teach us many lessons.
This Robert Redford film centers on Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon), an aspiring young golfer from Savannah, Georgia, who has the world at his fingertips. Not only is he destined for golf greatness, but he is also involved in a passionate love affair with local debutante Adele Invergorden (Charlize Theron).
That all changes after Junuh enlists in World War I. He emerges from the war traumatized, and his confidence is shattered. He returns home to Savannah 10 years later Òhoping to forget and to be forgotten,Ó and spends his days trying to drink away his memories.
Meanwhile, the Great Depression has hit Savannah. Adele is busy fighting off the bankers for her late fatherÕs golf resort. Determined to make the resort a success, Adele arranges an exhibition match between golf legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. However, investors will not support the match without a local player. Eventually, a reluctant Junuh is persuaded to play.
Junah is joined by caddy Bagger Vance (Will Smith), a mysterious, zen-like figure that attempts to help Junah find his swing. Through the lessons of golf, Bagger helps Junah come to terms with his inner demons.
Ultimately, this movie is less about golf and more about life itself. It deals with finding oneself and redemption while teaching us that life is, ÒA game that canÕt be won, only played.Ó How we play this game is what matters.
While watching this movie I noticed many similarities with other Redford films. JunuhÕs character is a golfing version of the Roy Hobbs character from The Natural, while the attempt to reclaim Junuh and AdeleÕs love affair reminded me of The Great Gatsby. This film also has the same look and feel of the Redford-directed A River Runs Through It. All of these movies take place during the same era and have many parallel themes.
Will Smith gives an emotionally honest performance as Bagger Vance. Although his character is seemingly omnipotent, he is not annoying or overbearing. He only gives advice when necessary and often allows Junah to learn from his mistakes. There are a couple of moments when Bagger is dispensing his Yoda-like wisdom, however, that I felt like I was watching Touched By An Angel. Ultimately, this film leaves you wondering whether Bagger was actually a man or a spirit.
One obvious criticism of this film concerns the believeability of BaggerÕs social acceptance considering the movieÕs setting. True, an African-American would probably not have been treated with such respect and civility at an upscale golf course in 1920s rural Georgia, but who cares? To have BaggerÕs race factor into this movie would have been an unnecessary distraction and undermined SmithÕs terrific performance.
I did appreciate the accurate portrayals of Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen. Although the story is fictional, both these characters are actually golf legends that had a tremendous impact on the game. By portraying them as the true gentlemen/sportsmen they were, it helps reinforce the filmÕs overall message.
Overall, I would say that this is an enjoyable film, even if it a tad bit predictable. Through the metaphor of golf it delivers an uplifting and inspirational message.
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Other than JunuhÕs efforts to supress painful war memories through whiskey and poker there is little, if any, booze throughout the rest of the movie. ItÕs probably best to stay sober in order to appreciate the movieÕs message.
The Matt Damon-Charlize Theron romantic subplot makes this a solid date flick.
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