Magnus

Magnus is a 2016 documentary film that dives deep into the world of chess, as it meticulously unfolds the life story of Norwegian chess prodigy, Magnus Carlsen. Directed by Benjamin Ree, the film isn't just about chess; it's predominantly about Carlsen's journey from a child prodigy to becoming a World Chess Champion. The film provides an unparalleled view into Carlsen's private life as well as the development of his exceptional intellectual capability.

The narrative structure of the movie is fundamentally chronological, following Carlsen's journey from the age of 13 up until his mid-20s. The film draws a vivid picture of a young boy, who, from an early age, displayed extraordinary skill, an exceptional memory, and an ability to foresee chess moves well beyond those of his contemporaries. These traits caught the attention of the Chess community, eventually culminating in Carlsen having to grapple with grandmasters and the pressure that came with the global limelight.

The documentary harmoniously blends commentaries from Magnus himself, interviews with family members, childhood home videos, and intimate behind-the-scene footage. It also includes commentary by famed players including Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand, helping to provide context to Magnus's place in the hierarchy of the chess world.

In the film, along with appreciating Carlsen's genius, viewers also get glimpses into his frequent and at times concerning levels of anxiety. The narrative does an excellent job of illustrating the tremendous pressure that such prodigious talent can thrust upon a person, especially a young person. It also manifests the struggles faced by Magnus's family, especially his father who undertook the responsibility of nurturing his son's inherent talent. Balancing interviews with intimate scenes from Carlsen's life, the film provides a rounded perspective on the challenges, stresses, and exceptional moments created by his extraordinary ability.

While the game of chess is strategic and sometimes impersonal, the documentary offers a deeply personal and compelling narrative. It does so by focusing on struggles personal to Magnus — his battle with expectations, the sacrifices he made in his personal life, his battle with personal demons, and coping with the realization of his dreams. This humid, behind-the-scenes narrative gives a rare peek at a genius's making and showcases the human side of Magnus Carlsen, a figure often seen in the media as the Mozart of Chess.

Another center piece of the documentary is an in-depth analysis of Carlsen's style of play. Exploration of his intuition-driven, rather than memorization-based approach, provides interesting insight for chess enthusiasts. His ability to play complex endgames and his outstanding memory are also highlighted, with clips of his gameplays adding excitement to the narrative.

Beyond the chessboard, the film touches upon Carlsen's encounters with fame. It illustrates his evolution from a typical kid glued to his computer into an international figure unrecognized by his schoolmates, and finally an influential global figure that breathes new life to the image of Chess. The film successfully represents his journey as an icon in the sport who continues to inspire a new generation of chess players.

Despite the main character living an exceptional life, the film manages to be surprisingly relatable as the audience watches an everyday boy striving to use his talent to ascend to the top. It's a testament to Carlsen's personality, which remains pleasantly humble and approachable despite his stature.

A captivating blend of personal, emotional, and competitive elements, Magnus is a film that offers a comprehensive view into the life of a genius. Rather than merely focusing on the games and championships, it puts a magnifying lens to a tormented genius's human element, weaving a narrative that is as engrossing for the chess oblivious as it is for the grandmaster. Celebrated players like Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand, further lighten the movie's narrative, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the riveting world of chess, intense competition, and the extraordinary tale of Magnus Carlsen.