Kellie Connolly
History 1700
Film Review
09/12/2011
Seabiscuit
Seabicuit is a truly inspirational film directed by Gary Ross in 2003 about an
underestimated 1930’s thoroughbred racehorse with the heart of a champion. Ross wrote the
screenplay, based on Laura Hillenbrands book, Seabisuit: An American Legend.
Charles Howard is a dreamer always looking to the future whose life is turned upside
down by the sudden death of his son followed by divorce from his first wife. In an effort to
rebuild he takes interest in horse racing and turned to the race track for a chance to turn bad
luck into good. Howard invests in trainer Tom Smith, who found jockey Red Pollard, and made
the decision to take on a horse with nothing more than an impressive pedigree and occasional
win. The horses’ previous owners had said that he couldn’t be trained to win, but Smith said I
think I can.
I wonder often wonder how different this Nation would be or if it would be at all if it
weren’t for men that pressed on with this kind of heart even when the task was daunting. Men
like Henry Knox who speak out and say I don’t care if it is winter and the cannons are clear
upstate New York, I think I can get them to Boston. I believe history is made when people have
faith enough to stand and say yes we can.
This story is significant because he brought hope to a nation recovering from a difficult
period in American history. When the nations pride was as battered as that beaten down horse
he showed that you can beat the odds. Sometimes in hardship all we need is a little moral boost
to turn things around.
In the bonus material in the DVD the book author Laura said that “people are desperate
for underdog heroes” and stated the fact that “Seabiscuit was the most written about public
figure in 1938 in America, Roosevelt was second, and Hitler third.” On the day of his famous
1938 match race against War Admiral one in three Americans were tuned into the broadcast. I
think that speaks to the peoples need for inspiration.
This matchup was to some obviously in favor of War Admiral because although they
shared a similar pedigree, he was considered by many the supreme being. I can’t help, but
compare this to the way British parliament viewed themselves as a supreme entity and treated
colonists, although sharing a distant pedigree, as gangly inferiors.
I really enjoyed the director’s use of historic photos, voiceovers, and recordings of
activities nationwide, showing the way they received their news and entertainment via the
radio and newspapers. He did a great job depicting the era throughout the story.
Naturally as an American I have a soft spot for the comeback kids and unlikely heroes
who overcome injuries, defeat challengers, and set record in the books. We have not yet
covered this time in history in our class yet, but I do know fighting spirit seems to be the
reoccurring theme in America’s history and I look forward to learning more from stories of our
past.