THE NATURAL. Directed by Barry Levinson; written by Roger Towne and Phil Dusenberry; produced by Mark Johnson for Tri-Star. Starring Robert Redford.
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The Natural is an old-fashioned movie about an old-fashioned sport. But just as baseball—the sport in question—remains popular today in spite of its quaintness, the movie will be popular as well. Being old-fashioned can give a game or a movie weaknesses as well as strengths. And The Natural isn't flawless by any means. But it is interesting, attractive, and it sports a fine array of performances.
The movie is set mostly in the late 1930's and the filmmakers' passion for authenticity is remarkable. For example, they made their own baseballs for the movie. Modern ones, apparently, are stitched differently! But I call The Natural old-fashioned not only because of period details. It has the kinds of characters older movies always had: true-blue hero, both devoted and seductive females, and greedy, amoral villains.
Roy Hobbs (Redford) is the center of all the action as the title character. We see him briefly as a child, then as a confident young man headed for glory in the major leagues. But most of the movie concerns the period after his first dreams of fame are shattered, when Hobbs joins the New York Knights as the majors' oldest rookie. The Knights are having a dismal season. But when Hobbs finally gets to play, his magical talents lift the whole team into contention for the pennant.
Redford is simply wonderful as Hobbs. His looks and behavior are always in character, and apparently without effort. All the other characters exist only in their relationship to him. But within those confines the fine actors create some truly memorable people. Duvall's and Close's credentials are impeccable, of course. And they do not disappoint. Mercy the sportswriter (Duvall) is the more interesting. He fraternizes with both the good and bad guys, without really belonging to either camp. Close plays Hobbs' childhood sweetheart and main inspiration, a truly old-fashioned female character who is more than a little unbelievable.
Basinger, as the temptress, is impressive. We know she's no good for Hobbs, but she is sympathetic just the same. The rest of the supporting cast is equally fine. One of the villains who is particularly good, but not credited for some reason, is Darren McGavin, a gambler who tries to ensnare Hobbs.
The old-fashioned trait which is The Natural 's greatest weakness is simple hokiness. Several situations and touches in the movie seem just too set up. The appearance of lightning in several important scenes is one example. I heard laughter about the third time, but I don't think the intent was to be humorous.
Moviegoers react differently to hokey or contrived situations. For some, a little good-guys-coming-out-on-top sentiment will be welcome. But if you prefer your drama more realistic, you might be put off by The Natural.
Viewers who can handle the sentimental overdose, however, will enjoy the movie. Baseball fans, particularly those interested in the "good old days," should especially like it. Today's kids are more likely to first play an organized sport on the soccer field. And when they grow up, they're statistically more likely to prefer football. But in spite of this, baseball will probably always be around. Although not in so many words, The Natural seems to explain why.
May 23, 1984