The Big Picture
Fall Movie Preview
The Legend of Bagger Vance
The previews for The Legend of Bagger Vance would have you believe that Robert Redford's newest feature is another entry in that most meager of subgenres: the golf movie. But if you talk to the folks who cut those trailers, they'll tell you that they're being asked to sell the movie short (curious considering that Oscar expectations most likely explain the film's delay from its scheduled summer release). There's a crucial dark facet to the movie they're not allowed to show you, not because it would give the story away, but rather, because it might keep people away. We know Matt Damon plays Rannulph Judah, a haggard golfer coaxed back into the game -- and life -- with tips from a mysterious caddy, played by Will Smith. But lurking on the flip side of the movie's semi-mystical optimism lies powerful footage of Judah's experience in World War I. Readers of Steven Pressfield's 1996 novel of the same name might have a pretty good idea what that is. (Nov. 3)
A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.
Support the Chronicle