Sport In film

KIN 4440 Final Sport in Film Analysis Paper
Students will copy and paste each of the five questions onto their own Word Document. The final
document must be free of errors and formatted in the following manner:
a) Calibri, Times New Roman, or Cambria font.
b) 11pt. or 12pt. font.
c) Grammar and spelling.
d) Standard margins.
e) 1.5 or double spacing.
f) APA or MLA format for citation and reference page.
g) Students may use their film worksheets, and quizzes to answer the questions.
h) Each question must accompany each answer as shown in the examples below.
The answers provided must be at least one to two paragraphs and supported by the following
information:
1) Pertinent reading assignments that relate to the question (sources must be properly cited in
APA Format/MLA). A reference page is necessary anytime citations are included, so make
sure it is properly formatted.
2) Film information.
3) Critical analysis/thought.
4) Answers must be well thought out and articulated.
5) Provide support for your answers. The fan/audience experience is also necessary. You may
include a bit of your “lived experience”.
The Final Sport in Film Analysis paper is due Tuesday, 12 May before 8:50 pm!! The paper must be
submitted via Blackboard as either a PDF or Word Document.
Sample Question:
1) The film “Rocky” (1976) by John G. Avildsen, provides an interesting look at the
intersection between deviance in society and sport by framing boxing as a means of both escape and
social climbing. We see the protagonist Rocky Balboa commit extortion, yet once Rocky Balboa enters
the world of boxing – successfully – it seems as if his prior life is erased. Explain how Hollywood
neglects to address the issue of crime and punishment when selling the image of the hard-knock
common person turned sports hero.
KIN 4440 Final Sport in Film Analysis Paper
Sample Answer:
Rocky Balboa’s success is actualized via the community he represents. In other words, regardless
of his checkered career prior to his success in boxing, Rocky remains both a member of his “former” life
as low-level mafia muscle and a home-grown hero. In this respect, the film positions both
“communities” as reluctant bedfellows or conveniently ignorant participants – both refusing to trade his
success for punishment. Let alone jeopardize the delicate balance of covert crime and honorable
opportunity. Thus, the character can speak to our own desire for redemption without the strings of the
sins of the past.
Common sense tells us that Hollywood’s inclusion of Rocky’s early criminal past in the film
would alter the intent of the film narrative by addressing his judicial repercussions, but also those
connected to him. With regards to the community, the neighborhood portrayed in the film is South
Philadelphia, PA. Having lived in this neighborhood as a child in the 1970’s and early 80’s, I maintain
intimate knowledge about the heavy mafia presence throughout the city. In fact, South Philadelphia
was once a stronghold for the Philadelphia mafia during this time as illustrated in the book by Charles
Brandt (2004), “I Heard You Paint Houses”. Ultimately, this would create a deep plot hole in the film
distracting audiences from the main narrative. This intentional discipline to the narrative is part of what
separates “Rocky” (1976) from “The Hurricane” (1999).
To be frank, Hollywood sports narratives are formulaic. The primary mission is to make money,
while removing the audience from the real world – for a couple of hours — by placing us into a semibelievable world. This narrative is designed to connect to our dreams while distracting us from the
mundane rigors of ordinary life. This being said, Hollywood does not add or subtract anything from the
film narrative unless it progresses the story. What connects audiences to the film is the thread of a love
story woven into the tapestry of the gritty underdog’s rise to fame via sport. Simply put, sport has
delivered on its promise of all things being set right via hard work and self-belief.
KIN 4440 Final Sport in Film Analysis Paper
Questions:
1) How does the sport film use the film setting to help create the narrative?
2) Explain the difference between sports biopics and sports documentaries. Provide
contrasting examples.
3) If the sports film connects to identities and uses the struggle of sport to assist in solidifying
those identities, how does Hollywood often portray those images? (hint: remember
“Battle of the Sexes, Pride”).
4) Discuss how Hollywood portrays the “sport conquers all” theme. Does this create a false
image of sport and society?
5) Discuss how Hollywood portrays nationalism in sports films. Is this a false narrative? Why?