To reach one of the iconic scenes in American film – Robert Redford circling the bases in a home-run trot, amid a shower of falling sparks – first succumb to the melodrama of all that precedes it in “The Natural.”
Bernard Malamud did not give an official endorsement of the great Hollywood adaptation of his novel, but he probably appreciated how Barry Levinson’s movie swung for the fences. Redford once again creates one of the great characters of our era, as he did in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “Three Days of the Condor” and “The Sting.”
It’s a baseball movie, yes, and that will keep your ‘tweeners occupied while you and your older children look for bigger themes.
But “The Natural” is also terrific mythology, allegory and melodrama; for starters, work with the King Arthur and Percivale myth mentioned in the DVD extras. Redford as Roy Hobbs joins the New York Knights on a quest for redemption and glory, with a saintly fair maiden (Glenn Close) standing above in the castle. (OK, the bleacher seats, but you get the idea.)
As a young farm boy, Hobbs shows tremendous potential for baseball. Too green for big- league psychodynamics, though, Hobbs is literally shot down by Barbara Hershey’s mysterious seductress. Years later, an aging Hobbs shows up to play baseball again, and gets his chance with the struggling Knights. (Redford knows how to handle a baseball – he went to the University of Colorado on a scholarship.)
More evildoers lie in wait, as they do for all great knights. The team owner wants Roy to throw games – lose them, not pitch them. A new seductress in the irresistible form of Kim Basinger tries to distract Roy from his quest. And a snarky sportswriter (Robert Duvall) plays deceitful minstrel to the king’s court.
It all leads beautifully to that picture-perfect ending. Touch ’em all, Roy Hobbs – your movie certainly touched America’s soul.
Each Tuesday, Michael Booth uncovers a movie gem for families in search of rewarding entertainment. Send suggestions to mbooth@denverpost.com
