Battle of the Sexes: 2017

Battle of the Sexes didn't even come to my attention until I watched this year's Golden Globes. As the presenters introduced different nominated best pictures, I began checking my local library's catalog to see if any of the films were available. Battle of the Sexes was nominated for best comedy, and it was one of the few available. I placed a hold and waited for my copy.

Having watched the film now, I have to say I'm surprised it was nominated for a best picture award. It's not bad, but it's also nothing special. The film is just fine. I enjoy true stories (or should I say based on true stories) films, and Battle of the Sexes fits that as it's about Billie Jean King (played by Emma Stone) playing Bobby Riggs (played by Steve Carell) to prove that women are just as athletically skilled as men. With great source material, I expected to be excited and entertained by this film. Not so much. Stone wasn't all that great in her role. The make-up and costume departments did a fantastic job with making her look the part of a 1970s tennis player, but her performance lacked depth. I felt like I was watching someone pretend to be someone else instead of embodying that character. Carell was better, but that may be due to casting: he played a goofy guy. It wasn't that different than watching him be Michael Scott from The Office. Then the final tennis tournament was so long. I guess I just don't enjoy watching people play tennis?

The highlight of the film for me was Sarah Silverman's character, Gladys Heldman, a chain-smoking agent who helps Billie Jean organize a women's tennis organization. I love her no-nonsense attitude. And her pushing her tennis players to smoke some cigarettes (because Virginia Slims sponsors their tour) is so 1970s and hilarious.

As for the Oscars, Battle of the Sexes didn't receive any nominations. Not a surprise.