Although “Seabiscuit” induces the sort of emotions
that Oprah Winfrey or even her protégé Dr. Phil incite
these days, the film is a welcome change amid the thunderous racket
of this year’s sequel-filled summer. Based on the book by
Laura Hillenbrand, “Seabiscuit” recounts the inspiring
tale of the Cinderella horse that rose to become the most popular
and winningest horse of its time. The familiar story of beating the
odds and overcoming adversity has forever been a Hollywood staple
but has often failed to evoke the necessary emotions to distinguish
itself from the crowded market. Through the work of writer/director
Gary Ross, the film bypasses its overtly sentimental storyline to
transform itself into a wonderful docudrama that rivals much of
Steven Spielberg’s greatest work. Using documentary
filmmaking techniques and historian David McCullough as narrator,
Ross captures the feeling of Depression-era United States,
heightening the struggles of the film’s characters. The
success of the film lies in Ross’ ability not to get too
caught up in sentimentality but instead to humanize and convey the
internal complexities of the story’s three main characters:
the jockey, the owner and the trainer. Of course, an excellent cast
of Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges and Chris Cooper doesn’t
hurt.