Battle of the Sexes

Battle of the Sexes is a 2017 biographical sports movie directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell, and Andrea Riseborough, it tells the captivating tale of the legendary 1973 tennis match between the world’s top-ranked woman Billie Jean King (portrayed by Emma Stone) and ex-men's champion Bobby Riggs (played by Steve Carell). Based on real-life events, this motion picture is as much a clash of personalities as it is about tennis, politics or societal norms.

The period of the 1970s is wonderfully captured by the movie. It's a time of exploration and self-discovery; a time when the fabric of American society was shifting. Battle of the Sexes uses this backdrop to set the stage for a landmark moment in sports history, posing a potent commentary on the gender inequalities that were pervasive in the society.

The film presents a truthful and respectful portrayal of Billie Jean King, an extraordinary and powerful woman, a trailblazer not just on the tennis courts, but also in the fight against gender discrimination. Emma Stone embraces this role with a determined poise, capturing the strength and struggle of King with an almost palpable intensity. This is not just about a sport; this is about a fight for equal respect, recognition, and pay.

Steve Carell's comedic prowess serves him well in his portrayal of Bobby Riggs, a washed-out tennis pro and tremendous showman. Instead of painting Riggs as a villain, the film brings out the complex character he was - a man struggling with his own issues, using this publicity stunt as a way to fight his irrelevance and to shine again in the sport he loved. Carell artfully balances out the humorous side of Riggs with the tragically flawed persona lurking beneath.

The hostility of the times is starkly exhibited through the supporting characters as well. The pay disparity, demeaning comments, and dismissive attitudes that female athletes had to endure are clearly exemplified, making the audience comprehend the magnitude of the struggle. Andrea Riseborough, who plays Marilyn Barnett - King's hairdresser and love interest, lends a tender touch to the movie, presenting a nuanced depiction of King's sexual awakening and the subsequent challenges it posed in those times.

The screenplay, by Simon Beaufoy, expertly elucidates the human aspects of the main characters. It is not just about the match itself but what led to it, and the repercussions, both personal and public, for those involved. Through the movie, viewers get to witness the personal struggles, the societal pressures, the fight against sexism, and the internal and external battles that the characters face.

While it might seem like a typical sports narrative, the movie is much more than that. The filmmakers wisely choose not to build the drama around the game alone but use it as a lens to view the broader themes of sexism, homophobia, and aging within the framework of society. Moreover, it beautifully encapsulates the cultural changes that the '70s were witnessing, setting the tale in a world of sports, politics, pop culture, and television.

The cinematography, by Linus Sandgren, and the razor-sharp editing, by Pamela Martin, add visual depth to the film, enhancing the storytelling. The soundtrack, filled with '70s anthems, adds another layer of authenticity to the movie.

Battle of the Sexes is not merely a biographical sports movie; it's an astute sociocultural examination of that period. It is a testament to the immense courage shown by those who dared to challenge and change the societal norms. It’s a film that highlights the far-reaching implications of one tennis match, putting it into a broader context of gender parity, queer rights, and society's treatment of its athletes.

With fantastic performances from an immensely talented cast, honest representation of the lead characters, well-execulated tennis scenes, and a compelling narrative, Battle of the Sexes delivers an entertaining and enlightening cinematic experience. It's a film that's as timely today as the historic event it is based on, and serves as a reminder of how far we've come and how much more there is to achieve in terms of equality, acceptance, and justice.