Robert Redford has had a storied acting career, and he has done some unforgettable roles. But if you ask baseball fans, then there is only one film that comes to mind—The Natural. It was released way back in 1984, and this sports drama brought to life the story of Roy Hobbs, a man whose raw talent met tragedy, and then came the redemption arc to bring one of the most well-loved sports movies in the world.
The movie was directed by Barry Levinson and was based on a 1952 novel written by Bernard Malamud. The story follows Hobbs as he navigates through his career, and right from the start—it starts with a bang—no, really, it does. Because a mysterious woman shoots at him and puts a twist even before the game life begins.
Years later, older but not defeated, Redford aka Hobbs ends up signing with the struggling team of the New York Knights. What follows is a classic bout of second chances. So with his bat of Wonderboy in his hand, he ends up being a sensation. He revives the team and wins over the fans with his crazy ability. (Think modern-day Cal Raleigh, and maybe what he did for the Mariners!)
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But the story doesn’t end, because then comes the real kicker. Redford or Hobbs here was told he could die if he kept playing, but Hobbs doesn’t listen. He digs in and down to his final strike in the ninth inning; he swings and sends the ball into the light. The sparks rain down, and this is absolute cinema that is ingrained forever in fans’ minds and hearts. But Redford was not alone in the making of this epic classic.
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The movie has a powerful cast, like Glenn Close as Iris Gaines, Hobbs’ true love. There is Kim Basinger as Memo Paris and Robert Duvall as cynical sportswriter Max Mercy. Then there is Wilford Brimley as manager, Pop Fisher. There are many more, and together they gave the movie the heart, the drama, and that grit it needs to inspire—that you can always try.
Interestingly, though, the end of the film really did not follow the book. In the novel, Hobbs strikes out, and his career ends with a scandal. But Hollywood chose triumph instead of tragedy this time. And hence, no surprise, even now the movie gives goosebumps.