The movie sticks out and separates itself from other great sports movies because of the lessons the film teaches. From moments in the movie set both on and off the court, lessons of perseverance and camaraderie.
The film's protagonist, coach Norman Dale, played by Gene Hackman, faces incredible adversity in the film. In the end he overcomes multiple adverse situations because he stays true to what he believes is best for him and others around him.
From the minute that Dale arrives to Hickory, Indiana, a man whose already failed as a head coach at the college basketball level, receives nothing but criticism for the way he chooses to coach at Hickory. The backlash from everyone in the town of Hickory makes it extremely difficult for the players the buy into him as a result.
From a coaching standpoint, Dale uses a completely traditional disciplinary style. During practice time his team barely does shooting drills. During games at the beginning of the season, he implements a rule to his team that there must be four passes before a shot.
This is unprecedented philosophy that Dale is using, particularly with the shooting rule, which is never seen during serious competition. In the beginning of the film it appears these bold and unusual methods were a metaphoric death wish for Dale's coaching tenure in Hickory.
But as time goes on, the methods turn out to be beneficial, as it builds chemistry and an unselfish culture amongst the team, which ultimately allows them to win the coveted state championship at the movie's conclusion.
The triumph of the state championship could not have come without the contribution from Jimmy Chitwood, played by Maris Valainis. Chitwood is the teams most talented player until the previous head coach of the Hoosiers who he considered a father figure past away. This led Chitwood to quit the team all together. His life outside of the court, particularly his academic success, became completely absent after the fact as well.
Dale eventually convinces Chitwood to return to the team, as he expresses to him what a special gift he has and that the team needs him. Chitwood has the movie's classic "mic drop" moment at a town meeting where the decision on Coach Dale's firing or not was made. Chitwood stands up and declares he will return to the Hoosiers, as long as Dale keeps his job and is the head coach. Chitwood's vote of confidence sparks the town and subsequently the team.
Dale wouldn't be out of the woods just yet, as his unorthodox style of coaching continued when he hired Wilbur "Shooter" Flatch, played by Dennis Hopper, as his assistant coach. Shooter was a great player at Hickory 20 years back or so.
Hopper is very knowledgable about the game of basketball and it's history, but in order for Dale to hire him, the heavy drinker must become sober. Out of embarrassment Shooter lashes out and yells for Dale to leave his home. But the next day at practice, Shooter shockingly appears cleanly shaven in a suit and tie, prepared to accept the position.
Dale revitalized Shooter, Chitwood, and his whole team simply by believing in what he stands for and holding others accountable. It establishes Dale as a great leader and a person everyone in the movie can benefit from.
Dale uses his knowledge and values to help his Hoosiers on the court to establish another moral lesson of the film. Basketball and sports in general can be a great place to grow as a person off the court or field.
No comments:
Post a Comment