Writer/Director: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman and Patrick Mofokeng
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have achieved recognition of Matt Damon. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Damon has become a beloved icon. Whether it’s space scavengers, gifted janitors or soldiers, Damon has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Damon’s finest strength as an actor has often been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those actors that has always had talent for stealing the show in supporting roles which have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Damon has always left a lasting impression. Through his capability to portray characters that are engaging, Damon has created a legacy that’s lasting. Although he is best known for his iconic role as Bourne in the spy franchise, Damon has proven that he can make engaging movies in every single genre. Throughout his career, Damon has made several unforgettable movies which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Damon and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Invictus” is my personal favourite. Released in 2009, Clint Eastwood’s movie offered a strong portrait of Nelson Mandela. Packed with breathtaking production-design, strong storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about South Africa. At the center of it all is an incredible performance by Matt Damon, who portrays an African football player that faces tension. Ultimately, what makes “Invictus” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about South Africa, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A masterpiece about South Africa, there are several reasons why “Invictus” is a movie that’s absolutely worth watching.
“Invictus” tells the story of a president that guided a nation that’s precious. Morgan Freeman portrays Nelson Mandela, the newly elected president of South Africa. Mandela is a passionate leader that has always shown strong devotion toward his nation. Seeking to bring his nation toward peace through sporting, Mandela makes a decision to assemble a ruby team that is inspiring. Assisted by the ferocious captain Francois Pienaar (Matt Damon), Mandela makes the drastic life decision to guide his nation. Faced with a dilemma, Mandela is forced to question whether it’s possible to guide his nation of South Africa. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Mandela questions whether it’s possible to become a leader.
Clint Eastwood has always been fascinated with themes of leadership. A phenomenal filmmaker, Eastwood has often produced engaging movies about leaders which face disaster. His iconic film “Million Dollar Baby” offered a powerful portrait of coaches that guide boxers toward victory. With “Invictus”, however, he created his first sports drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of legendary presidents in African history but he succeeded immensely. Using strong cinematography, Eastwood captures a president that seeks to guide his country. Emulating Kevin Costner’s “JFK”, Eastwood uses handheld camera to capture tensions experienced by presidents in South Africa. For instance, handheld camera enhances the rugby scene. During this heartfelt scene, Francois seeks to guide his team during an intense game. Using breathtaking handheld cameras, Eastwood constructs a portrait of Africa that’s compelling. Handheld camera is a tricky technique. As Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed” suggested, shaky camera enhances movies about undercover cops. However, it works immensely. Using strong visuals, Eastwood captures tensions rugby players are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Invictus” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is well-made. Eastwood’s choice to shoot the film in real-life locations across South Africa is risky but works tremendously. For instance, the real-life African locations enhance the African meeting scene. During this heartfelt scene, Mandela has a pivotal meeting with political members in South Africa. Through African locations, Eastwood crafts a portrait of presidents that’s compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Michael Stevens’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden which African presidents bear. Through bold production, Eastwood honours presidents that guided an African nation.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Invictus” is a sports biopic that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and expertly uses dramatic monologues to demonstrate the hardships which African presidents are facing. Evoking John G. Avildsen’s “Rocky”, Eastwood uses monologues to capture the lives of sports champions facing adversity. For instances, dramatic monologues elevate the team speech scene. During this intense scene, Francois gives an emotional speech encouraging his teams to achieve a victory. Through monologues, Eastwood creates a portrait of sports teams that audiences can easily relate to. Dramatic monologues aren’t easy techniques. As Gus Van Sant’s “Good Will Hunting” suggested, monologues often elevate films about therapy. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Using a bold screenplay, Eastwood captures African presidents that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Matt Damon delivers one of his best career performances as Francois. Damon earned appreciation for playing spies in espionage thrillers. With “Invictus”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to play a captain of a legendary African rugby team, but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With extraordinary expressions, he illustrates the ambitions, bravery and grief of a football player that faces adversity. It’s a terrific performance from one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Damon, the supporting cast is also great and worthy of praise. Morgan Freeman is magnificent, capturing the dedication of a powerful president that seeks to guide his nation in an intense competition. Patrick Mokofeng is terrific, capturing charismatic nature of a leader seeking to guide a poor nation that faces a state of panic. Finally, Matt Stern merits appreciation. As a bold rugby player, he brings heartfelt emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Invictus” would earn appreciation of everyone for honouring an African president that is precious. Unlike most movies about African presidents, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes such as ambition, mental health and dedication that will resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message regarding leaders that appeal to everyone. Therefore, “Invictus” is one of those rare sports films everyone will adore.
Fans of Matt Damon would definitely enjoy “Invictus” and so would movie-goers which seek heartfelt entertainment. A captivating sports drama about Africa, it celebrates an actor with charisma.
Nearly 20 years following the release of an iconic film about a legendary president in South Africa, it’s a reminder reminder about a commemorated actor with charisma that has made unforgettable movies throughout his career which have stood the test of time in cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 