What Is The Natural (1984) About?
“The Natural” is a 1984 sports drama film directed by Barry Levinson, based on Bernard Malamud’s 1952 novel of the same name. The movie follows the story of Roy Hobbs, a talented baseball player whose career is derailed by a mysterious event. Years later, Hobbs gets a second chance to play professional baseball and joins the struggling New York Knights. As he faces various challenges and encounters, Hobbs must confront his past and fulfill his destiny as a legendary baseball player. The film explores themes of redemption, ambition, love, and the pursuit of greatness in the world of sports.
What is the Plot of the Movie?
The plot of “The Natural” revolves around the journey of Roy Hobbs, a talented baseball player whose career takes an unexpected turn due to a tragic event. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the plot:
As a young and promising baseball player, Roy Hobbs is on his way to try out for the Chicago Cubs when he encounters a mysterious woman named Harriet Bird. In a hotel room encounter, Harriet shoots Hobbs, leaving him with a bullet lodged near his heart and effectively ending his career before it even begins.
Years later, Hobbs resurfaces as a middle-aged rookie and joins the fictional New York Knights, a struggling baseball team. Despite his age, Hobbs displays remarkable talent and begins to rejuvenate the team’s fortunes with his exceptional skills as a hitter and outfielder.
As Hobbs navigates the world of professional baseball, he encounters various characters, including the team’s manager, Pop Fisher, the enigmatic sports writer Max Mercy, and Memo Paris, a seductive woman with ties to the team’s owner, Judge Roy Hobbs.
Throughout his journey, Hobbs must confront personal demons, including his lingering trauma from the shooting and the temptations of fame and success. Along the way, he forms meaningful connections with his teammates and finds love with Iris Gaines, a woman from his past who becomes his moral compass and source of inspiration.
As the Knights’ season progresses, Hobbs faces numerous challenges, including sabotage from his own teammates and a final showdown against the corrupt Judge and his hired hitman. In the climactic moments of the film, Hobbs steps up to the plate in a crucial game, wielding a bat crafted from a tree struck by lightning, and delivers a game-winning home run that secures victory for the Knights.
Ultimately, “The Natural” is a story of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Through Hobbs’ journey, the film explores themes of second chances, the pursuit of greatness, and the timeless allure of America’s favorite pastime, baseball.
| Plot Points |
|---|
| Young baseball player Roy Hobbs shot by Harriet Bird, ending his career before it begins |
| Years later, Hobbs resurfaces as a middle-aged rookie and joins the New York Knights |
| Hobbs rejuvenates the struggling team with his exceptional skills |
| He encounters various characters, including manager Pop Fisher, sports writer Max Mercy, and Memo Paris |
| Hobbs confronts personal demons and finds love with Iris Gaines |
| Faces challenges including sabotage and a final showdown against corruption |
| Hobbs delivers a game-winning home run with a special bat crafted from lightning-struck wood |
| Overall, “The Natural” is a story of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit |
Reasons to Watch It
“The Natural” offers captivating storytelling, iconic performances, and timeless themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. With its portrayal of baseball glory, stunning cinematography, memorable score, and classic Hollywood entertainment, the film remains a beloved cinematic experience that continues to captivate viewers. There are several compelling reasons to watch “The Natural”:
- Captivating Story:
- “The Natural” offers a captivating story filled with drama, mystery, romance, and triumph. It’s a tale of redemption and second chances that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
- Iconic Performances:
- The film features stellar performances from a talented cast, including Robert Redford as Roy Hobbs, Glenn Close as Iris Gaines, and Robert Duvall as Max Mercy. Their nuanced portrayals bring depth and emotion to the characters, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
- Timeless Themes:
- “The Natural” explores timeless themes such as perseverance, sacrifice, love, and the pursuit of dreams. It offers valuable insights into the human condition and resonates with audiences of all ages.
- Baseball Glory:
- For fans of baseball, “The Natural” is a must-watch film that captures the magic and excitement of America’s favorite pastime. The thrilling game sequences and iconic moments on the baseball diamond are sure to delight sports enthusiasts.
- Beautiful Cinematography:
- The film features stunning cinematography that brings to life the beauty of the American Midwest and the grandeur of baseball stadiums. From sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups, every frame is visually captivating.
- Memorable Score:
- “The Natural” is accompanied by a memorable and evocative musical score composed by Randy Newman. The music adds depth and emotion to key moments in the film, enhancing the overall impact of the storytelling.
- Classic Hollywood Entertainment:
- As a quintessential Hollywood film, “The Natural” offers classic entertainment that appeals to a wide audience. Its blend of romance, drama, and sports action makes it a timeless cinematic experience.
Overall, “The Natural” is a must-watch film that entertains, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of baseball, classic cinema, or compelling storytelling, there’s something in this movie for everyone.
Is the Movie a Real or Fictional Story?
“The Natural” is a fictional story based on the novel of the same name by Bernard Malamud. While the film incorporates elements of realism, such as its depiction of baseball and its historical setting, the characters and events portrayed in the movie are entirely fictional creations.
Is It Critically Panned or Acclaimed?
“The Natural” received generally positive reviews from critics upon its release in 1984. While opinions may have varied among individual critics, the film was generally well-received by both audiences and reviewers alike. It has since become regarded as a classic sports drama and is often praised for its storytelling, performances, and iconic moments.
Critics particularly lauded Robert Redford’s performance as Roy Hobbs, as well as the film’s cinematography, score, and overall production values. While some may have had minor criticisms or reservations, “The Natural” is widely considered to be a beloved and influential film within its genre.
Overall, while it may not have achieved unanimous acclaim on the level of some Oscar-winning films, “The Natural” has garnered a strong and enduring reputation as a classic and beloved sports drama.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Critical Reception | “The Natural” received generally positive reviews from both critics and audiences upon its release in 1984. While opinions varied, the film was well-received overall and has since become a classic. |
| Critics’ Comments | Critics praised Robert Redford’s performance as Roy Hobbs, the film’s cinematography, score, and overall production values. |
| Audience Reception | Audiences also responded positively to the film, appreciating its storytelling, performances, and iconic moments. |
| Legacy | “The Natural” is regarded as a classic sports drama and is often praised for its influence within the genre. Despite minor criticisms, it maintains a strong and enduring reputation among viewers. |
| Awards | While not a major award winner, “The Natural” received nominations for Academy Awards and Golden Globes, further highlighting its acclaim. |
What Does the Movie Explore?
“”The Natural” delves into themes of redemption, ambition, fate, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream through the story of protagonist Roy Hobbs. As Hobbs navigates the world of baseball and confronts his past, the film explores the complexities of human experience and the enduring quest for fulfillment and greatness.
- Redemption:
- The film delves into the concept of redemption as the protagonist, Roy Hobbs, seeks to overcome past mistakes and regrets to fulfill his potential as a baseball player and as a person.
- Ambition and Dreams:
- It examines the pursuit of ambition and dreams, particularly in the context of Hobbs’ desire to become a legendary baseball player despite facing obstacles and setbacks.
- The Allure of Fame and Success:
- “The Natural” explores the allure of fame and success, as Hobbs grapples with the temptations and pitfalls that come with achieving greatness in the world of sports.
- Fate and Destiny:
- Throughout the film, there is a sense of destiny and fate guiding Hobbs’ journey, as he navigates the challenges and opportunities that arise on his path to becoming a baseball legend.
- Love and Relationships:
- The movie portrays various forms of love and relationships, including romantic love between Hobbs and Iris Gaines, as well as familial bonds and friendships that shape the characters’ lives.
- Good vs. Evil:
- There is a recurring theme of good versus evil, as Hobbs confronts adversaries and internal struggles while striving to do what is right and honorable.
- The Mystical and Supernatural:
- “The Natural” incorporates elements of mysticism and the supernatural, particularly in the symbolism surrounding Hobbs’ bat, Wonderboy, and the mysterious woman, Harriet Bird, who alters his destiny.
- The American Dream:
- The film touches upon the broader theme of the American Dream, portraying Hobbs as a symbol of perseverance and determination in the pursuit of success and self-fulfillment.
Overall, “The Natural” offers a rich tapestry of themes and ideas that resonate with audiences, inviting contemplation on the nature of ambition, fate, and the human spirit.
Memorable Moments in the Movie
“The Natural” is filled with memorable moments that have left a lasting impact on audiences. Here are some standout scenes:
- The Opening Sequence:
- The film’s opening sequence, featuring a young Roy Hobbs playing catch with his father under the watchful gaze of a shooting star, sets a poignant and mystical tone for the story to come.
- The Bat and the Lightning:
- One of the most iconic moments in the film occurs when Roy Hobbs crafts his own bat, Wonderboy, from a tree struck by lightning. This symbolic act foreshadows Hobbs’ legendary talent and sets the stage for his remarkable journey in baseball.
- The Home Run in the Rain:
- In a climactic and unforgettable moment, Roy Hobbs hits a game-winning home run during a crucial game played in the pouring rain. The scene is beautifully shot and captures the triumph and magic of baseball.
- The Final At-Bat:
- In the film’s closing moments, Roy Hobbs steps up to the plate for one final at-bat, facing off against the formidable pitcher, and delivers a powerful swing that sends the ball crashing into the stadium’s lights. This dramatic and symbolic moment serves as a fitting conclusion to Hobbs’ journey.
- The Train Ride with Iris:
- A tender and romantic moment occurs when Roy Hobbs shares a train ride with Iris Gaines, his childhood sweetheart. Their reunion on the train platform and their heartfelt conversation aboard the train convey a sense of longing, regret, and hope for the future.
- The Carousel Flashback:
- Through a series of haunting flashbacks, viewers learn about Roy Hobbs’ past and the tragic events that shaped his life. The carousel flashback, in particular, stands out as a poignant and visually striking sequence that reveals Hobbs’ lost innocence and shattered dreams.
- The Final Scene:
- The film concludes with Roy Hobbs walking off into the sunset, leaving behind the world of baseball and embarking on a new chapter of his life. It’s a bittersweet and poignant moment that symbolizes Hobbs’ journey of redemption and self-discovery.
These memorable moments, along with many others, contribute to the enduring legacy and emotional resonance of “The Natural” as a classic sports drama.
Streaming Platforms to Watch the Movie From
“The Natural” is available for streaming on various platforms. However, availability may vary depending on your region and the licensing agreements in place. Here are some popular streaming platforms where you might find the movie:
- Amazon Prime Video:
- You can rent or purchase “The Natural” on Amazon Prime Video. It might also be available for free with a subscription to certain channels or as part of the Prime Video catalog, depending on your location.
- iTunes/Apple TV:
- You can rent or buy “The Natural” on iTunes or Apple TV. It’s available for digital purchase or rental.
- Google Play Movies & TV:
- Similar to iTunes, you can rent or purchase the movie on Google Play Movies & TV.
- Vudu:
- Vudu offers “The Natural” for digital rental or purchase.
- YouTube Movies:
- You can rent or buy the movie on YouTube Movies.
- Hulu:
- In some regions, “The Natural” may be available on Hulu as part of its streaming library. However, this availability can vary by country.
- Netflix/Disney+/HBO Max:
- While these platforms sometimes feature popular films like “The Natural,” availability can change due to licensing agreements. It’s worth checking periodically to see if the movie becomes available.
Please note that the availability of movies on streaming platforms can change over time due to licensing agreements and other factors. Make sure to check your preferred platform to see if “The Natural” is currently available for streaming in your region.
