Spoiler
Alert: I assume most people have already seen these films, as a result I
discuss the plot as much as I can. I will not try to go into every detail but
generalize as much as possible.
For
this movie, I will avoid comparisons with the Novel, since the structure and
format of the book is much different than the movie
Film: Fever Pitch (1997)
‘Life
gets complicated when you love one woman but worship eleven men’, is the
tagline from ‘Fever Pitch’. This film is based on Nick Hornby’s groundbreaking
Novel of the same name.
The
film tells the story of a die-hard Arsenal fan named Paul Ashworth (Colin Firth).
The story takes place during the 1988/89 season that Arsenal finally won the
League title after an 18-year wait.
We
witness Paul’s devotion to Arsenal, as well, as the personal changes to his
existence as a fan and a man after he falls in love.
There
are also flashbacks that illustrate how Paul’s passion for Arsenal and Football
in general is developed.
In
the beginning of the film (start of the school year and Football season,
1988/89), we see Paul as a rebel English schoolteacher. He wears a leather
jacket and is popular with his students and often discusses the fortunes of his
favorite team Arsenal with them.
He
also coaches the Boys Soccer Team always wearing his Retro Arsenal jersey. In
one scene, his motto is laid out as he tells one of his students that Saturday
is the only day that he is NOT a responsible adult.
In
contrast, the new teacher Sarah Hughes (Ruth Gemmell) is very uptight, dresses
very professionally and is initially disliked by her class.
In
addition she is completely indifferent to Football and looks with disdain at
Soccer fans.
They
each have a close friend to whom they confide. Paul’s friend is Steve (a
then-unknown Mark Strong, at least unknown in USA). Steve is Paul’s best
friend, drinking buddy, and fellow Arsenal fan. They even play Subbuteo
together.
Sarah’s
close friend is Jo . She is her roommate, confident and jogging partner.
Through,
the aforementioned flashbacks, we get a glimpse of Paul’s childhood. His
parents are divorced and initially during his father’s infrequent visits, there
is very little connection. His father would like an activity that he can share
with his son. In one of his visits his father suggests to take him to an
Arsenal match at Highbury, even though, Paul is not a Football fan (yet).
As
soon as Paul sits in the stands and views the pitch, his eye light up and is
mesmerized. It is clearly the beginning of a beautiful lifelong passion. He is
very observant of all the banter in the stands, which includes cursing,
shouting, etc. He genuinely seems delighted and at ease in this environment.
It
appears that Paul has found an activity that he can share with his father. His
father in turn teaches him the finer points of fandom, such as the importance
and commitment of supporting a specific team and leaving the stadium a few
minutes early to ‘beat the traffic.’
Back
to the present, Sarah is the complete opposite of Paul, which means that in the
movie universe they must fall in love.
Paul
and Sarah are in a fully committed relationship; there are still lingering
differences. She notices that Paul is completely involved in Football and as a
result is unable to be and act like an adult (even wearing Arsenal boxers) and
has no long term goals. He in turn cannot understand that she does not
understand this passion and lives a very regimented existence.
Paul’s
lack of ambition is exemplified by his indifference to apply for a better
paying position within the school since he’s content in earning just enough so
that he can attend Football matches and live his life as is.
In
another flashback, we see a slightly older teenage Paul now going to Arsenal
matches by himself. His father who now seems almost bored to keep taking him to
Arsenal matches, tells him to move on from that stage of his life. Paul in a
determined fashion responds that he will ‘never get beyond that stage.’
Back
to the present (April 1989), Sarah agrees to go to an Arsenal match at Highbury
with Paul and Steve. They watch the match from the standing only terraces.
Clearly,
she is unaware of what she is in for. She appears uncomfortable with the
shouting, insults from the stands, but more importantly she is frightened of
all the pushing and shoving and feels unsafe.
This
scene in the present is cut back and forth with the teenage Paul on the
terraces in 1972, now a full-fledged member of the ‘tribe’. This particular
sequence is shot with ‘The Who’s ‘Baba O’Riley’ in the background and ending in
crescendo.
In
the present, once at home, the events of the Hillsborough disaster are seen on
the television. The pair is horrified at the death toll.
Sarah
already uncomfortable with her own experience in the terraces asks Paul to not
to go to any more matches.
This
is where the major rift in the relationship occurs, as he still plans on
attending matches. She accuses him of selfishness and still cannot comprehend
the extent of his passion for the game.
Paul
makes attempts at reconciliation and in the process learns that she is
pregnant.
This
event appears to change Paul and he is determined to marry and raise his child
like a normal adult. He even applies for the vacant teaching position that he
had initially snubbed as he now needs the extra income.
He
tells Steve that even if Arsenal do not win the League, it would not make a
difference, much to Steve’s amazement.
He
says that when you have nothing, Arsenal ‘fills the gap’, but he now has a
reason to exist.
Unfortunately,
he is passed over for the position after an interview with a Board of
Governors, where it is implied that his relationship with a fellow teacher was
a detriment to his chances. Stephen Rea makes a funny cameo as a member of the
Board of Governors and Arsenal fan, who just asks Arsenal and Football related
questions during the job interview process.
Paul
and Sarah break up again after she realizes that he is less concerned about
this job and is more concerned about Arsenal’s loss that may have ruined their
title hopes. She feels she cannot build a future with a man whose life revolves
around a football team’s fortunes.
With
the relationship on a break, it all comes down to the final match of the
season. The deciding match vs. Liverpool at Anfield on May 26th,
1989, that Arsenal HAS to win by at least a score of 2-0 to become Champions on
goal difference.
A
nervous and pessimistic Paul and Steve watch the match at home on the
television. Sarah attends a party of her students who are all indifferent to
Football. Even though, Sarah used to share these same sentiments, she seems
eager to follow the match and know the score.
Not
much of a suspense as we all know the outcome, but nevertheless Michael Thomas’
last minute winner and the celebrations are shot in dramatic fashion
(Especially Paul and Steve’s celebration).
Afterwards,
there is a parade in the street with Arsenal fans celebrating into the night.
In
the parade, Paul catches a glimpse of Sarah draped in an Arsenal flag and
naturally they make up again for good.
For
once She seems to have accepted and understood his passion.
They
live Happily ever After and THE END.
Despite,
the whole opposites attract formula; ‘Fever Pitch’ is generally enjoyable as
Romantic Comedies go.
There
are some names of players from the past and present that are thrown around that
only a Football knowledgeable audience will recognize.
This
inside-knowledge is also required to understand some of the references made,
such as comparisons of Sarah to George Graham.
A
younger audience, who has grown up on the Internet and matches on cable galore,
may not be able to connect as much.
The
rest of us, slightly older, there is a universal appeal in the concept of fan
culture and genuinely rooting for a team for life.
(And
maybe along the way making compromises to our passion and habits to accommodate
our loved ones)
Notes:
1- In 2005, a Hollywood remake of this was made
starring Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore. Since this was made for an American
audience, in the remake, the sport was changed to Baseball.
2-
Colin Firth and Mark Strong have appeared together again in two recent films,
‘Before I Go To Sleep’ (with Nicole Kidman) and ‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’
nice
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