Based on the book by Michael Lewis, Moneyball chronicles the attempt made by Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane to level the playing field of baseball so that those teams without big budgets behind them could have a fighting chance. Challenging the status quo of America's favorite pastime may not have been the most popular thing to do but as Moneyball shows, even a small win can have a huge impact. What Billy Beane did was change how people look at the game and what this film did was acknowledge his contribution to the modern game. In a nomination worthy performance, Brad Pitt takes on Billy Beane and paints a detailed, humble picture of a man trying to beat the odds while also keeping his head down amongst all the criticism. His performance is not overtly emotional but it still runs deep. Through all the opposition, his character he puts on a brave face but there are moments when, just for a moment, he see the weight of the entire baseball world on his aging shoulders. Pitt was Billy Beane and together with Jonah Hill (who rightly earned a nomination for his performance), they carried this film all the way with some amazing chemistry and good old fashioned teamwork.
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| Brad Pitt as Billy Beane and Jonah Hill as Peter Brand |
Moneyball is an understated film with an excellent cast and a superb script. I appreciate the Academy's acknowledgment of a film that also had to beat the odds in order to be made although a win for it is, unfortunately, a long shot. It's best category is Best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin, Steven Zaillian, and Stan Chervin. This is a distinct possibility as it already won the Critics Choice Award earlier this year. However, this race also included The Descendants and Hugo which will not go down without a fight.
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