Why So Furious?

Seabiscuit (2003) has possibly been one of the most well-done book-to-film adaptations ever to hit screens. It was nominated for Best Film in the 2003 Oscars, and although it lost, it's memorable cast and unique screenplay make it one of the best movies of that decade. Lovely as it is as a whole, there is something so thought provoking about individual parts of movies; and Seabiscuit is no exception.

Insignificant to some, there is a conversation that occurs between the jockey (Red Pollard) and the horse's owner (Charles Howard) which is greatly underrated. It happens after a boisterous jockey cuts off Red in a race. Red, having only done smaller, more unrestrained races, responds with curse words and even attempts to cut off the other jockey as well; this causes him to lose the race. Back in the barn, the horse's trainer (Tom Smith), chastises him for his mistake. This leads to an argument that seems to have no resolve, when Charles Howard finally steps up.

He says, "Son, what are you so mad at?"

Red is silent. He knows full well where his anger and aggression comes from, he understands that which haunts him, but it had never occurred to him that someone else might notice too. It may have crossed his mind, that yes, these people who for some reason have welcomed him into their home, fed him without price, would eventually call him out. After all, they've had some time to get to know him. Whatever the reason, Red is thrust face to face with his on-going inner battle. It's poetic, and especially heart-warming that Charles doesn't place the kid's mistake as immaturity, he notices that there are inner problems at hand, and if Red doesn't address them first, then he would get nowhere.

Mr. Howard himself had gone through much in the first half-hour of the film, which allows him to relate to Red's feelings, and see through what the trainer simply could not. Because, after all, in the words of Tom Smith, "You know, you don't throw a whole life away just 'cause he's banged up a little."

With Love,

Gwen