Day 72 I, Tonya [2017]
Screenplay Steven Rogers
Director Craig
Gillespie
Cinematography Nicolas
Karakatsanis
Music Peter
Nashel
Leads Margot Robbie,
Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Bobby Cannavale
Production LuckyChap Entertainment,
Clubhouse Pictures, AI Film
IMDb 7.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes 90%
Love Margot Robbie and she smashed this as the
infamous American figure skater Tonya Harding. Academy Award nomination for her
in the leading actress role and for Allison Janney in the supporting actress
role. Janney will probably win her category, playing Tonya’s hardy, unforgiving
mother LaVona. The acting is the best thing about this film, but that’s not to
say it’s the only good thing. The story of Harding’s rise and fall from grace
is told in an exciting way, emphasising Tonya’s tough ‘redneck’ upbringing. Rogers
creates a lot of sympathy for Harding, and rightly so. She is beaten physically
by her mother and her husband, and verbally by America’s media. Yet she still
became the first American woman to successfully land a triple axel in
competition (second woman ever) and dominated skating for a brief period as
no-one else could land the move. It’s a thrill ride and we are with Harding
every step of the way. Thanks mainly to how ghastly her mother is towards her,
and how stupid her husband Jeff (Stan) and his delusional friend Shawn
(Cannavale) are. Judges also give Tonya a hard time as presentation seems to be
just as important as skating ability (a debate for another time – some sports
can be so pretentious – you know something is wrong when simple sporting
ability is not the only thing in play to make someone the best at a sport).
Back to the film though. The music is fun, tracks from the 70s, I especially
liked the use of ‘Goodbye Stranger’ by Supertramp as I’ve always wanted to use
that if I get around to making a movie. Karakatsanis’ work is good with the
camera, and certainly easier on the eye than his name. Weak joke that but I don’t
pretend to be a comedian. It’s a ridiculous story and enjoyable movie.
Acting 4
/ 4
Writing 3.5
/ 4
Cinematography 3
/ 4
Music 3
/ 4
HWF
rating 3 / 4