Blog Entry #3 - Rudy - "You Were Born To Wear That Jacket"

“You Were Born To Wear That Jacket” – Rudy – Blog #3

 

Genre: Biography/Drama/Sport

Written by: David Anspaugh

Directed by: Angelo Pizzo

Starring:

Sean Astin as Daniel E. 'Rudy' Ruettiger  

Jon Favreau as D-Bob

Ned Beatty as Daniel Ruettiger

Charles S. Dutton as Fortune

            Success is a relative term, and what it means to one may not be the same to another. Furthermore, success is a sustained effort – a constantly uphill struggle against the forces acting against it, as well as the people. “Rudy” is the epitome of the story of perseverance, the underdog, and the anomaly. The film helps display the miracle of a man that shouldn’t have made it to his personal goal, yet still managed to do it – and via his heart inspired so many along the way.

            The film begins with Rudy as a child, playing football with his brothers and friends from the neighborhood. Despite his size, he’s adamant about playing any position other than center – even as his brother’s discourage him. He carries a dream – a dream of one day playing for Notre Dame, and this vision is one that stays with him all his life. In the face of blatant discouragement, the loss of his best friend, the loss of his wife-to-be, we are shown the laborious journey of Rudy, a little man with a gigantic heart, who is carried off the field as the beacon of pride of Notre Dame. All of this aside, I was particularly enthralled not only by the story, but by the technique used to tell it.

            One recurring instance (and one of the most effective) used in the film is the application of a wide shot, giving the impressions of almost “David and Goliath-esque” scenarios. As Rudy walks along a field in front of Holy Cross, his avenue into Notre Dame, it is shown so far away from him - brilliant, masterful, almost majestic in appearance – as if he is walking up to a palace. This happens again as Rudy wanders across the Notre Dame campus to the football field, works his way past the gate, and makes his way inside. Again, we see a perspective used to show just how small he is in stature compared to the immense obstacles he has to overcome. Although the stadium is empty, it’s massive, and he is much like an insect in comparison to the room it resides in. The beauty in this execution is in just how simple, yet how effective it is at honing the scope of vision on Rudy as our hero – how physically small he is in comparison to his goals.

            The vibrancy of color and the lack of it, depending on the scene, aided in bringing much of the story to life. For the majority of the more jovial and inspiring occasions in the film, color is lush, triumphant music blares and we see slow motion shots of tackles and brief montages of Rudy’s training. For the more grave and uncomfortable scenes, such as his former love interest now together with his brother, colors are darker, the feeling is grim, and the discomfort reaches beyond the screen - and pulls you right in. You feel for Rudy. You want him to see beyond the harsh words, and discouragement. You want him to reach the summit.

            In summary, the technique within this work effectively bolsters the impact of the tale. Having come out in 1993 makes no difference. The film is timeless, and it is still one brought up easily among discussions of inspiration and triumph. The reason is simple – everyone appreciates an underdog - especially one who earns their way to the goal against the seemingly unmanageable.