by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned story about an aging professional trying to go out on top? There is a laundry list of classic films that follow this trope (Rocky Balboa certainly did this for the classic underdog). Something is just intriguing about seeing some not only compete at the highest level, but also try to overcome time. There are so many threads you can go with as well, when it comes to an aging star. Writer-director Clint Bentley and his writing peer, Greg Kwedar, take this time-tested formula onto the racetrack with Jockey.
Besides the already stated central idea of the film, what other layers do Bentley and Kwedar bring to their screenplay? There are a lot of moving parts in this small scale and intimate drama. Clifton Collins Jr. plays Jackson Silva, a former champion jockey, who is reaching the twilight years of his career. He soon begins to realize that his body is betraying him. Keeping these concerns close to the chest causes tensions with his long-time trainer, Ruth (Molly Parker). But to make matters even more complicated, a young man named Gabriel (Moises Arias) shows up and says he is Jackson’s son. There are plenty of things to keep the audience guessing and, on a swivel. Overall, Bentley and Kwedar can balance these different aspects which show Jackson to be a much more complicated man. The audience can feel all the tumultuous events that make for this tense and meaningful story.
This story sure packs plenty of punches, but what does Bentley deliver behind the camera? First off, this is just a beautiful film. The cinematography by Adolpho Veloso is strikingly gorgeous. There is a tenderness to how the light fills up the frame. The color pops so well on film and makes for an atmospheric and engrossing environment for our characters to live in. Bentley steeps the film in a rawness and flood of emotion. This indie approach gives the cast an opportunity to lay it all out on the line. There are some bold choices in terms of the visual storytelling, as well including the actual horse racing, which is shot in close ups of Jackson’s face. We can read the whole race by just seeing his face and his reactions (and some well-placed mud as well).
But who is the real crown jewel of the film? Collins Jr. This is that type of film that is all about performance. The character study digs deep into Jackson’s past, present, and future as well as his emotional state. Bentley structures a quality film around this impressive performance, but what really elevates the experience is this powerful and committed performance. Collins has been a presence on many films, but this might be his first leading role that he can really sink his teeth into. Whether it is the physical pain, the awkwardness and confusion with his estranged son, or the struggling confidence in his work, Collins portrays them all with confidence and a steady hand. Collins is a strong presence without having to make huge choices. He just has a way about him that is earnest and real, and matches the film Bentley created. Arias and Parker both give strong supporting turns, but Parker is especially wonderful with her strong yet loving character. Jackson and Ruth (Parker) make for an endearing pair and their struggles with each other are hard to watch.
What doesn’t Jockey have to offer? The acting, the story, and the direction are all beautifully done. This is a long overdue starring performance Collins deserved. The film does what every great sports movie does and transcends the action, while delivering emotion and characters to latch onto. What a wonderful little film to add a little spark to this awards season.
Grade: B+
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