Writer/Director: Dexter Fletcher
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Taron Egerton and Christopher Walken
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece
Not many actors in Hollywood have achieved appreciation of Hugh Jackman. Ever since his rise towards fame in the 1990’s, Jackman has proven to be an Australian icon. Whether it is frustrated fathers, competitive magicians or scandalous teachers, Jackman has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jackman’s finest strength as an actor has often been his powerful commitment to his craft. He is one of rare actors that has always had the talent for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen-time. Even when he isn’t a main focus of a movie, Jackman has always left an indelible impression. Although he is best known for his bold role as the Wolverine in the X-Men franchise, Jackman has proven that he has an ability to thrive in every genre. Throughout his enduring career, Jackman has made countless memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of Jackman and adore all films he has made in his career. However, “Eddie the Eagle” is truly my favourite. Released in 2015, Dexter Fletcher’s movie honoured legacy of an iconic ski jumper in history. Packed with strong production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best sports movies ever made. At centre of it all is a strong performance by Hugh Jackman, who portrays a coach that seeks to train a bold ski jumping champion. Ultimately, what makes “Eddie the Eagle” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most films about ski jumping, it tackles themes that everyone will relate to. A riveting masterpiece about a sports champion, there are countless reasons why “Eddie the Eagle” is a movie that is worth watching.
Based on a true story, “Eddie the Eagle” tells a story of a ski jumping champion that endures adversity. Taron Egerton plays Eddie Edwards, a ski jumping champion that faces adversity. Eddie has always had big dreams of achieving success in a tough profession that experiences tragedy. Assisted by his compassionate coach Bronson (Hugh Jackman), Eddie embarks on a journey to be a champion. However, Eddie’s life drastically changes when he discovers painful realities of his profession causing disaster. As all odds are stacked against his favour, Eddie is forced to question whether it’s possible to be a successful ski jumper. Faced with a dilemma, Eddie questions whether it’s possible for him to be a successful champion achieving prosperity in America.
Dexter Fletcher is a newcomer towards stories of ski jumpers. A fantastic filmmaker, Fletcher had never made a movie about ski jumpers in his career before. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the legacy of a legendary ski jumper, but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, Fletcher captures the life of a ski jumper seeking glories. Inspired with Hugh Hudson’s “Chariots of Fire”, Fletcher effectively uses handheld camerawork to capture lives of sports champions which inspire. For instance, handheld camerawork elevates the ski jumping scene. During this unforgettable scene, Eddie seeks to participate in his first ever ski jumping competition. Using handheld camera, Fletcher crafts a portrait of ski jumping that’s engaging. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in films. Denis Villeneuve’s “Prisoners” proved that handheld camerawork enhances movies about child abduction. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through stunning visuals, Fletcher captures painful tensions that commemorated ski jumpers are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Eddie the Eagle” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Fletcher effectively uses costumes to capture Eddie’s transformation into a strong ski jumper. Throughout the film, Eddie’s strong costumes showcase his transformation into a ski jumper which achieves glory. For instance, costumes enhance the training scene. During this memorable scene, Eddie seeks to prepare for his first ever ski jumping competition using assistance of his coach. Through captivating costumes, Fletcher crafts a portrait of sports champions that’s compelling. Furthermore, the music is dazzling. Matthew Margeson’s score is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing a painful burden which ski jumpers bear. Using stunning production, Fletcher captures ski jumpers in a competition.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Eddie the Eagle” is a movie about skiing that’s compelling. The film is beautifully written, and uses silence to capture strong bonds between coaches and ski jumpers. Inspired with Martin Scorsese’s “Raging Bull”, Fletcher successfully uses silence to capture the lives of sky jumpers striving to be successful. For instance, silence enhances the sports victory scene. During this unforgettable scene, Eddie is enthralled when he achieved sports victories. Through silence, Fletcher creates a portrait of ski jumpers that is compelling. Silence is a difficult technique to use in films. As Tom Hooper’s “Les Miserables” claimed, silence enhances Broadway musicals. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a bold screenplay, Fletcher captures the lives of ski jumpers that experience a price to pay.
One admired amazing performances.
Hugh Jackman delivers one of his finest career performances as Bronson Peary. Jackman first achieved appreciation for playing superheroes in excellent comic-book films. With “Eddie the Eagle”, however; he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray the real-life coach of a ski jumper but he succeeded immensely. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Jackman has often excelled at playing emotional heroes that are under pressure, and “Eddie the Eagle” proved his strengths as an actor. With extraordinary performance, he captures the angst, bravery and rebellious spirit of a wise mentor seeking to guide ski jumpers. It’s a strong performance from a legendary actor
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Hugh Jackman, the supporting cast is also astonishing and worthy of appreciation. Taron Edgerton is excellent, capturing dedication of a sky jumper seeking to succeed in a stressful profession. Christopher Walken is captivating, capturing charismatic nature of a father which seeks to guide his son to become a successful ski jumper. Lastly, Ania Sowinski is absolutely worthy of appreciation. As a female ski jumper, she brings authority to the movie.
Finally, “Eddie the Eagle” would earn praise of everyone for capturing ski jumpers that face adversity. Unlike most movies about the lives of ski jumpers, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, courage and sports which would resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be interested in ski jumping to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about it determination which would definitely resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Eddie the Eagle” is one of those rare movies about skiing everyone would adore.
Fans of Hugh Jackman will absolutely enjoy “Eddie the Eagle” and so would movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. An engaging sports drama, it honours a legendary actor with charisma.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking sports movie about a legendary ski jumping champion, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with strong dedication that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which are definitely worthy of tremendous celebration.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 