TIN CUP
US, 1996, 135 minutes, colour.
Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Marin, Linda Hart.
Directed by Ron Shelton.
Kevin Costner is one of the movie personalities of the 90s. Reunited with writer-director, Ron Shelton, with whom he made the thoughtful baseball film, Bull Durham, he is more at home on screen than he was in the heroics of Waterworld last year.
One of the conclusions from watching Tin Cup is that Costner should stay with this kind of role which he does best - and leave roles like Waterworld and, especially, Robin Hood alone.
Not being a golfer nor understanding the intricacies of the game, I found I was not engrossed in the golfing core of Tin Cup. I presume golfers will enjoy it, especially as it culminates in the American Open. Costner plays a talented coach stuck in West Texas. While teaching a psychiatrist, Rene Russo, he is challenged to do something better with his life. He keeps referring to his mythic quest. This quest also gives him the opportunity to play against his smug friend from University days, played by Don Johnson. This is the 90s version of the romantic comedies of the 30s and 40s, so language and behaviour is more direct than in those days. However, it is a sparring battle of the sexes in a sports context designed as popular entertainment. Up to par.
1. A golf film? The popularity of films about golf, players, competitions? For the golfing audience? The wider audience?
2. The Texas settings, the desert countryside, the small towns, the diners? The golf centre? The contrast with American tournaments, the different golf courses, terrain, the American open? The musical score?
3. A portrait of Roy, his age, Tin Cup as his nickname, his skill at college, golf talent and prestige, the rivalry with David? His not finishing anything? His golf centre, reliance on Romeo, Romeo and his expertise with the golf balls, the clubs? The range of friends, playing cards, bets, the riddle about the surgeon – and Molly solving it? Providing coaching, the session with Molly, the men prying? The discussions, the attraction?
4. David, just champion, present success, smug, the irony of his relationship with Molly? Visiting Roy, inviting him to be a caddy? The match, Roy and his advice, the challenge for him to do the hit – and his success? David firing him?
5. Roy, the visits from Molly, his being upset, the decision to go to her for therapy, upsetting the woman in the exit room, the session, explaining his situation, Molly not appreciating that he referred to her? Her urging him to be direct? The invitation to dinner? Her relationship with David?
6. His decision to go into the Open? His practice, his skill with shots, the repetition, Romeo and his advice? The friends and their support? His success in the various qualifying matches?
7. The discussions with Molly, badmouthing David? Wanting her to give advice, her agreement? The sessions, the support? The sexual attraction, the liaison, the effect on each of them?
8. The film’s focus on the Open, Romeo and his tantrum, breaking the clubs, Roy breaking them? A pattern for Romeo? Roy’s return, sweet-talking him, Romeo resuming his work?
9. The details of the Open, the radio commentators, American and British, the producer and his not knowing anything about Roy, the adverse comments?
10. Roy, the success of his shots, the 18th hole and the ball going into the water? His redeeming the situation?? Relationship with the other golfers? The clashes with David?
11. Doreen, her work as a stripper, the past relationship with Roy, his being indebted to her, the deal, her owning the golf centre, not giving him time, change of heart, her friendliness with Molly, their following Roy and his quest?
12. Roy, obsessed with the quest, the final, the 18th hole, 12 attempts and the ball going into the water, ultimate success, everybody’s admiration? Molly and her urging him on to do what he wanted to do? Her comment that people would forget who won the Open but would remember his 12 shot success?
13. Molly, seeing David and his press conference, his harsh attitude towards the child and the family for autographs? Clinching her attitude towards him?
14. An entertaining sports and competitive story – and the success of the underdog?
