As a Birmingham native, 42 is not only an amazing film but it strikes close to home as some of the movie’s biggest moments were filmed right here at Rickwood Field. The home field advantage is not the only reason its special, but also because it is based on a true story. 42 hit theaters in April of 2012 starring Harrison Ford, Chadwick Boseman and T.R. Knight. I finally got around to watching this movie and I'm so glad that I did.
Harrison Ford stars in the role of Branch Rickey, the real life owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers who decided to bring an African American player onto his team. Ford donned a fat suit to portray this character along with a wig and large, fake, eyebrows but none of those things distract from his performance. Rickey is the voice of reason and the conscious of this film; and his scenes with Jackie Robinson were executed with the true chemistry of a young man wary of an opportunity but willing to take it and an aging man ready to make his name in baseball history while regaining his love for the sport. Robinson was played beautifully by Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther). Boseman portrayed the struggle Robinson faced flawlessly and evoked the necessary emotions from the audience as we viewed his struggle. Other notable players in this film include: T.R. Knight as Rickey’s assistant Harold Parrott, Nicole Beharie as Robinson’s wife Rachel, and Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese who was the first team member in the film to truly welcome Robinson. The acting only attributed for a part of the film’s success as there were so many other aspects playing equally important roles.
The settings chosen for 42 added to the film’s authenticity. Producers chose Rickwood Field because it is the oldest professional baseball park within the U.S. and looks the part for many scenes throughout the film, including an early scene in Birmingham but also every scene where the games are in Pittsburgh. The production team could have built lots to take the place of an authentic field or used special effects of some sort, but the use of real locations that reflect the look of the time was a smart choice. The viewer no longer feels like they are watching a movie but living through that era, thanks to the use of legitimate baseball field settings.
42 was directed and written by Brian Helgeland (A Knight’s Tale) who was asked to make this film by its financier, Thomas Tull, who had just received rights from Robinson’s widow to share his story in film. As you watch 42, you might notice that it does not always feel like a baseball movie but more often, a movie about humanity. This was the intent of Helgeland because he was never a die hard baseball fan, however the story itself was something he very much wanted to tell which he did, in his own way. Music played a large role in 42 thanks to the score composed by Mark Isham which added depth to each moment in the film where emotions were essential for the full effect. Isham’s score swelled with victory but also fell when obstacles appeared.
Whether you are interested in history, baseball, or a story of the human condition, 42 is a move for you. This film is one of the best sports movies that has been made, but it cements itself as the very best of the 2010s. I recommend watching it purely for the great acting and storytelling and a feeling of nostalgia at the America of the past.
