Review of The Natural (1984) by Nick S — 05 Jul 2012

Based on the title alone, I did not expect this movie to have such a supernatural aspect to it. In fact, it's the most mythological sports movie I've seen, and that's what's so refreshing about it.

Our hero as a young boy has something close to a religious experience when he sees a lightning bolt hit a nearby tree. The remaining stub of the tree glows, as if the sword in the stone is waiting to be reclaimed. Indeed, the young Roy Hobbs cuts this piece of wood into a weapon that he wields in battle, in this case the almost magical bat that he brings to every game.

This bat allows the grown Hobbs, played by Robert Redford, to shatter expectations and ball park accessories in the uncanny, surreal manner of a full-blown mythic hero.

At least that's what happens when he's not led astray by the wrong kind of women. But when he falls to the charms of the seductresses who haunt him, he becomes a mortal again, one who struggles to hit the ball like the rest of us. Surprisingly enough, especially for a sports movie, the central conflict is not about whether Roy Hobbs will develop the skills to win; he has these skills from the very beginning. The dramatic question pertains to whether he will free himself from the influence of wicked women (they're dressed in black for a reason folks) and become the hero he was destined to be. And to truly win, Roy has to conquer not only his opponents on the field but the corruption of the villainous judge who battles from his office, an office that is delightfully ominous and tomb-like.

One of my favorite scenes takes place when Hobb's childhood sweetheart (dressed in white, of course) comes to see him play. He's in the middle of a vice-induced slump, and he's about to strike out once again, but before he does, she stands up. The masterful cinematographer Caleb Deschanel lights her in such a way that her hat appears to be a halo. Roy notices and it's enough to bring him back to life. If there is one scene that encapsulates the heart and soul of this film, it's this one.

Some of the plot points happen quickly and abruptly, perhaps to add to the mystery of it all or perhaps because of time constraints or issues on set, but by the end, that kind of thing fades from memory as we cheer for Roy. Yes, it's a sports film and a beautifully lit period piece, but it's more than that: It's a good reminder about the kind of effect a good-hearted woman can have on a guy.