Review of Pawn Sacrifice (2015) by Riff J — 07 Dec 2017

Bobby Fischer is a name that I was familiar with but, if I'm honest, I've have struggled to remember why. I'm not a fan of chess, I find it rather dull and boring to play and I just don't understand the fascination the game holds for some.

Having said that, I can admire the skill and dedication of those who play the game well and to such a high standard as Fischer did in t he 1960s. He was clearly brilliant, a genius at what he did, but also a troubled and deeply flawed personality was bubbling under there, as is often the case with those with an obsession and drive as deeply held as his.

This movie is tense and dramatic a fact largely due to the brilliant performance of Tobey Maguire, an actor that I've long admired. This is quite a different role from his normal on-screen portrayals.

Gone is the laid-back and gentle persona we normally get. Instead we have an explosive, unpredictable and prickly character that is not terribly likeable but totally captivating. The period setting of the movie is excellently captured and the Cold War undercurrents are well portrayed without becoming laboured and clumsy.

All in all an unusual and interesting biopic that I'm glad to have watched.