"Words of Wisdom from 'Bagger Vance'"
by Scott Mantz

"The Legend of Bagger Vance"
Will Smith, Matt Damon
Directed by Robert Redford

Will Smith helps Matt Damon find his swing (and Charlize Theron) in "The Legend of Bagger Vance"

It you look back at the movies released over the last few weeks, you'll notice that some of them share a common theme. In order for the main characters in films like "Billy Elliot," "Girlfight," and "The Contender" to realize their dreams, they have to overcome tremendous obstacles, and no matter how bleak things look, they finally succeed based on hard work, passion, and determination.

Sometimes, though, people need some help in order to see the light. In "The Legend of Bagger Vance," that help comes in the form of Will Smith, and while the film doesn't quite score a hole in one, it is still an above par and inspiring moviegoing experience.

It is the Great Depression in Savannah, GA, and former golfing great Rannulph Junuh (Matt Damon) doesn't do much with his time except sit around and drink himself into a stupor. He is approached by his ex-lover (Charlize Theron) to take part in a golf tournament that will save her debt-ridden oceanside resort, but after his traumatic experiences in World War I, golf is the last thing on his mind. Only with the help of a mysterious caddy named Bagger Vance (Will Smith) is he able to face the public again, and by finding his swing, he winds up finding his life.

It's easy to see why Robert Redford chose to direct "Bagger Vance," since it follows a concept that underscores some of his best films, especially 1980's "Ordinary People." In both movies, the main characters are so overcome with grief that they can't seem to move on with their lives, and only with someone else's nurturing encouragement are they able to conquer their fears.

From a technical standpoint, Redford tries to do for golf what Martin Scorsese did for pool in "The Color of Money." There's plenty of innovative camera work, particularly when the golf course is seen from the ball's point of view. The film is also notable for its production value, as the intimate nature of the southern setting is captured in glorious detail.

As moving and inspiring as the film is, it is not without its flaws. Shortcuts are made with respect to telling the story, and as a result, there are a number of things that don't make sense. For example, Bagger Vance literally appears out of nowhere, yet nobody bothers to ask him where he came from. Also, the relationships between the main characters are too underdeveloped for the audience to make that strong emotional connection that the film is shooting for.

Ever since Matt Damon and Ben Affleck won an Academy Award for writing "Good Will Hunting," it's been interesting to observe the different career paths the two have taken. Affleck has gone the big-budget route, appearing in schlock like "Armageddon" and "Reindeer Games," while Damon has gone for more prestigious fare, like "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and the upcoming "All the Pretty Horses." Though he may have been robbed for a nomination for last year's "Ripley," he makes up for it with his impressive performance in "Bagger Vance." He is obviously a shattered man, but it's hard not to be won over by Damon's ineffable charm as he fights his way back to form.

Damon also has excellent big-screen chemistry with Will Smith, who takes a different approach from the wise-cracking roles that he's best known for. While it's more of a supporting role, it is still one of the most touching performances of his career. He speaks words of wisdom that go far beyond the love of the game and should be applied to everyday life. Charlize Theron also puts in an impressive performance, and it's only a matter of time before she is given a role that really takes advantage of her strengths.

Bagger Vance may be on a mission to help Junuh find his swing, but the term "swing" is just the tip of the iceberg. Everybody has a gift--it's just a question of finding out what that gift is. There's no doubt that everyone involved with the making of this film has a gift, but it's safe to say that they've all taken better swings elsewhere. That being the case, "The Legend of Bagger Vance" still manages to avoid the sandtraps and stay on the green.

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