I apologize. This is another one I should have had up weeks ago.
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Written by Steven Rogers
Cast: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Paul Walter Hauser, Bobby Cannavale, Caitlin Carver, Mckenna Grace, Jason Davis, Anthony Reynolds, Ricky Russert, Jan Harrelson, Luray Cooper
Soundtrack: Peter Nashel
I’m inclined to say that this is a movie that came out of nowhere, but that’s not entirely true, at least for me. I knew it had gotten some buzz at various festivals, but I didn’t truly believe the hype until I actually saw it.
And boy am I a believer.
Perhaps what is most satisfying about I, Tonya is that it got me to root for someone I never thought I would. Not that I ever had a grudge against Tonya Harding, per se. I’m old enough to remember “the incident”, but not quite old enough to remember the full breadth of the circus surrounding it. As they say though, perception often becomes reality, and my opinion of her was essentially a photocopy of a photocopy of a Hard Copy.
Not that I, Tonya even purports to tell “the truth”, as the film concedes right up front that it’s a compilation of personal and often wildly contradictory accounts from the people who lived it, which I found to be admirably honest (perhaps somewhat ironically).
What is also tremendously satisfying about I, Tonya is that it gave me so much from people I had been really eager to see more from, namely Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan. Both established actors, to be sure, but the show they put on here is truly a tour de force. Their commitment to their roles and the range of emotions they go through (not to mention the span of time within the world of the film) helps elevate the movie beyond its occasionally noticeable budget limitations.
Of course I’d be remiss if I didn’t also mention Allison Janney as Tonya’s mom, who pretty much steals the show anytime she’s on screen. Her performance in particular is actually rather emblematic of the film itself: brash, coarse, sardonic, yet at times humorous and even heartfelt…in her own way.
Kudos to director Craig Gillespie and writer Steven Rogers for making the decision to do this story as a dark comedy. I suppose it could have worked another way, but I can’t imagine it would have been as effective, engaging, or artful. Also, as period pieces go, this one dives in headfirst, and I love the movie even more for it.
In the end, much like Tonya Harding herself, I, Tonya may not be entirely flawless, but it’s definitely something special. One of the best of 2017, hands down.
And wherever she is, I hope she’s doing great.
Rating: ★★★★½ (out of five)