Million Dollar Baby

Film Title: Million Dollar Baby
Year: 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Length: 132 minutes
Film Genre(s): Drama, elements of Comedy
Director(s): Clint Eastwood
Producer(s): Clint Eastwood, Paul Haggis, Robert Lorenz, Gary Lucchesi
Writer(s): F.X. Toole (story); Paul Haggis (screenplay)
Players:
Clint Eastwood as Frankie Dunn
Hillary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald
Morgan Freeman as Eddie "Scrap-Iron" Dupris
Plot: A too-cautious trainer who doesn't train girls, picks up an aged boxer-wanna-be Maggie as his student. A story of cowardice and courage, winning and losing, triumph and tragedy...and some of the action happens in a boxing ring too.
Acting: WOW! The three main players are amazing. Clint Eastwood delivers one of his best performances ever - and that's saying a lot. Hillary Swank's dramatization of the epitomous trailer-park-trash, waitress-in-a-small-diner, wishing-to-be-something-more character is spot on. Morgan Freeman's role is secondary to the plot, but it brings so much to the film. This movie only strengthens my belief that he is one of the greatest actors alive.
Cinematography: A true joy to watch because of great camera work. There are several scenes that are absolutely driven by the camera. It's those moments without dialogue that define a well-shot movie. After Dunn (Eastwood) accepts Fitzgerald (Swank) as his protege, the camera goes to a side shot of the two centered around the speed bag.
Visual: It's sometimes difficult to actually pick out the actors bacause it's so dark. At first, I thought this was a poor job, but then I noticed the content of those scenes. Light bulb! (pun intended) These techs are incredible, weaving characters in and out of view using only light strafing, which helps the conversations and mood of the film. The illumination of the entire movie is wonderfully done. Near the end (without spoiling the story), the use of lighting to create an almost black and white effect really mirrors the mood of the movie. All the other visual effects - from costume and make-up, to sets and props was on par with any other Clint Eastwood produced movie.
Audio: Clint Eastwood did most of the movies musical score (all but threee songs). Music is not empahsized very much in the film, but is tastefully complimentary to the action. The score "always does what is required and never distracts" (rogerebert.suntimes.com). The end of the film is nearly devoid of music.
What to watch for: Clint Eastwood - director, producer, music and acting for the film...and he does a great job with all of his roles. He's got the Midas touch. "Million Dollar Baby is Eastwood's 25th film as a director, and his best" (rogerebert.suntimes.com).
What to watch out for: A little language.
When I watched it last: One night prior to review.
IMDB User Rating: 8.4 out of 10
Roger Ebert Rating: 4 out of 4 stars;
"[A] masterpiece, pure and simple, deep and true."
"This is the best film of the year (2004)."
"Movies are so often made of effects and sensation these days. This one is made of three people and how their actions grow out of who they are and why."
The Cinema Standard Overall Score: 8.6 out of 10; Buy it, Watch it, Discuss it; This belongs in your movie collection.
- - Reveiwed by JB