Review of Moneyball (2011) by Art S — 23 Nov 2012

How can you not be romantic about baseball? Baseball movies are usually about what happens on the field, the dramatic moments that are the nature of its one on one conflict and heart-stopping thrills. This film is not that, however, but a view behind the scenes, not just into the rooms of the decision makers, but those of a man willing to challenge the traditionalism that the game has.

The film is woven together beautifully, and Aaron Sorkin's touch is felt in its blending of drama, humor, and skilled dialogue. Pitt commits to the complex role, and brings a degree of intimacy and humanity to the back rooms of baseball. Are the roles of the old men in his room and the dugout overplayed a bit? Perhaps, but the characters exist as much to show what the traditionalists of baseball are like; the game always has resisted change, and Beane and later Theo Epstein were able to turn it on its ear despite having to face down the difficulties of a new way of thinking.

This movie is a great way to tell a complex story, and it does it so well, providing the romanticism to the viewer that the characters speak of throughout.