Eddie the Eagle
Written by Andreas Babiolakis
It’s Tokyo Olympics time, so we’re getting a little into the season here at Films Fatale. Each weekday will involve a film relating to the Olympics in any way. They can be sports films or other genres, and real or fictitious.
Often times, I’ve seen memes about people wondering: what would the Olympics look like if regular people participated? Could we see how good the best athletes of the world really are compared to everyday civilians? Well, we kind of got that in real life. Michael Edwards was a real ski-jumper who made it to the Olympics, only to wind up last in every event he partook in. He was the sole representative of Great Britain in ski-jumping, and his presence alone made a big splash. His results were beyond lacklustre, but his commitment was everything an Olympic viewing audience could hope for: spirit. It only makes sense that Eddie the Eagle, a film based on Edwards with some minor embellishments (and named after his famous moniker), carries itself the same way. It is a decent comedy, a satisfactory sports film, and incredibly strong with its perseverance.
Before Taron Egerton became the household name he is now (I feel like, while a lead in Kingsman, he had the entire film taken from him by his surrounding veteran actors), he infused himself completely with Edward’s mannerisms and look to the point of being unrecognizable; this would end up being another stepping stone for him in the right direction, towards his bigger breaks. He stars alongside Hugh Jackman (who is a composite of various coaches and mentors Edwards had), but Jackman allows Egerton to shine in his own unique, average Joe kind of way. The two together work perfectly. Egerton is so awkward but confident. Jackman is proud but cautious. Even if the film was a disaster, this tandem alone is nice to watch. It’s almost like Jackman’s familiar demeanour contrasts with Egerton’s uncomfortable-yet-loveable show, allowing the latter to resonate greater.
Stars Joel Egerton and Hugh Jackman work nicely together.
The film itself follows the same notes of most sports films, but it’s nice seeing such triumph surrounding the ordinary. No one expects Edwards to come first or even close, and our predictions come true, and yet they still feel so rewarding. Perhaps it’s the film not judging a guy for trying his best, but allowing him to take the stage as an icon of adequacy. Edwards represents not just Great Britain, but all of us boring people as well. Sure, Eddie the Eagle is by-the-numbers and tame, but the film is almost identical in nature to the subject it is based on: an overachieving underachiever. The film knows it, too: using cliched music both intentionally and sincerely, for instance. Director Dexter Fletcher knows Eddie the Eagle won’t wow everybody, but that’s kind of the point. So often do we watch sports or sports films expecting these legends to come out on top (or at least come close). Here’s a picture that honours the fire within any sports fan; even those that can’t really compete, despite their adoration. It’s a nice change of pace, even with its conventions.
Andreas Babiolakis has a Masters degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Ryerson University, as well as a Bachelors degree in Cinema Studies from York University. His favourite times of year are the Criterion Collection flash sales and the annual Toronto International Film Festival.