Any Given Sunday (1999)

★★★
When I first heard that Oliver Stone was making a football movie, I assumed he'd make it in some straightforward fashion. As I read the reviews and saw the footage, I realized that Any Given Sunday would be shot with Stone's usual style. He likes to use quick cuts, fast panning and dollying, layered scenes, slow motion, stock footage and odd sound effects. Stone's work is among my favorites. His brand of storytelling is something not seen in other mainstream films and offers viewers a new way of watching a movie without having the camera sit still or following characters in some typical way.

This style was most effectively used in Natural Born Killers (1994). The chaotic structure of that film was analogous to society becoming fascinated with criminals. Other Stone films that have his mark stamped on them are JFK (1991) and Nixon (1995), though JFK's style is pretty tame compared to the other two films. One can only imagine how Stone would apply his skills to a fast-paced football movie. The football footage is sometimes difficult to follow, and other times it becomes frustrating to watch. Stone's intent may have been to make us experience the game through the eyes of the players. There are lots of close-ups here, as well as a wandering camera that zooms in and out of the action. When a player runs in for the touchdown, the camera stands at a distance, then goes in for the kill as members of the opposing team tackle the scorer. Stone's post-production techniques are overkill, which might bother some viewers, but I wasn't that annoyed. Although less editing would have been desirable, I still enjoyed the show.

The story involves a frustrated coach named Tony D'Amato (Al Pacino), who is suffering through a mediocre season. The movie begins with a football game, and in less than 10 minutes, D'Amato loses his starting quarterback, Jack Rooney (Dennis Quaid), and his second-string quarterback. D'Amato must look to his third-string quarterback named Willie Beaman (Jamie Foxx), who has seen very little action in the season. The team is the Miami Sharks, and is presided over by Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz), who took over after her father died. After the team loses the game and attains a 7-6 record, the playoffs may not happen. Then the season turns around. After Beaman wins some games, he lets his success go to his head. The rising star now changes plays in the huddle and defies D'Amato's orders to stick with the book. D'Amato wants to put Rooney back in after he heals, but Christina wants Beaman to stay in the game because he's winning, and the fans love him.

In addition to the movie's main story of how Willie Beaman will let his sudden success go to his head, there are several subplots involving the supporting characters that are seamlessly incorporated into the film. Luther "Shark" Lavay (as played by retired football player Lawrence Taylor) is severely injured on the field but wants to continue playing in order to get a $1 million signing bonus. Dr. Mandrake (James Woods) clears injured players because he feels he's doing them a favor. In defending himself when D'Amato find out, he says that he doesn't want to get in the way of players' dreams. There is also the possibility of moving the team to Los Angeles because the stadium in Miami is falling apart, and the mayor isn’t committed to helping the team.

Any Given Sunday examines several issues about the game. When Beaman continues to fight with the coach, he says he'll be worth lots of money if he's cut from the team. D'Amato must not only deal with Beaman's attitude but also contend with more hostility from Christina, who tells D'Amato how to coach his team. Rooney, who may not have much left in him, considers retirement, which angers his wife, played by Lauren Holly. The movie's dramatic scenes are what truly drives the movie and go along perfectly with Stone's filming techniques. The look of the film often resembles a long music video.

Along with the strong performances of the leads, there are some good supporters on hand to help the film march forward. L.L. Cool J plays Julian Washington, who becomes frustrated at Beaman's changes because it makes him look less impressive. Matthew Modine is effective as a team doctor. Finally, what football movie would be complete without Andrew Bryniarski, who has starred in such films as Necessary Roughness and The Program? Walking into the theater, I had a hunch he would be in it.

Towards the end, Any Given Sunday resembles a standard sports movie, which always ends with a big game. However, the splendid performances and Stone's direction turn a cliché ending into something worth watching. We've seen this kind of ending before, but we've never seen Stone direct such an ending in his way. Oliver Stone demonstrates with this movie that he can take old material and make it fresh. The movie is long (2 hours, 45 minutes), but the time is used well.

© 2000 Silver Screen Reviews