Sony Pictures Classics
I am hard pressed to think of many movies based on true stories that star the actual people. Clint Eastwood’s recent The 15:17 to Paris used the real soldiers involved in his dramatized version, but that’s the only thing I can think of, and that’s primarily an action oriented movie. Imagine instead a movie about what’s inside someone’s head, with a lot of dialog and introspection. How much more of a feat would that be?
The Rider comes from writer/director Chloé Zhao, who only directed one movie before this one. It is based on a real story and dramatizes the real events that occurred to Brady Jandreau, who in the movie plays the fictional Brady Blackburn. Brady was a hotshot rodeo bronc rider, but got his head trampled by a terrible fall. The movie also uses real footage of events if you’re worried about not seeing how it really went down.
Brady was hospitalized and was in a brief coma, requiring reconstructive surgery for his head. It’s not as bad as it could have been — we see one man with a hook for a hand, and Brady often spends time visiting his friend Lane Scott (playing himself) in the hospital. Lane was severely injured in a bull riding accident in 2013, and is now paralyzed, only able to communicate with his hand.
When watching the scene, I was unsure if I was watching an absurdly good acting job or a real person — it was the latter. But he was good and real here, showing another side to the tough, gruff, and hard headed Brady. Brady is back home recovering, staying with his father Wayne and sister Lilly (playing themselves). Lilly is autistic, yet the movie never felt exploitative or pandering. These are siblings playing siblings, a reflection of themselves, yet it felt cinematic and real in the same time.
The story is slow and careful, showing Brady as he adjusts to a new life, one where he is no longer physically able to do the rodeo riding he loves. He tries other horse-related jobs and spends time with his friends and family, even working with training potential new riders. This man who can clearly be seen in pain and conflict, yet unwilling to show it because he can’t show his vulnerability for his pride, it’s stark and moving.
Chloé Zhao brings a shocking depth of emotion to these meandering scenes constructed from real people. Some of the side people aren’t as natural with their line readings, and that’s a bit jarring, but Brady is a compelling lead, despite not being an actor by trade. As I said above, I don’t feel like I’ve ever seen a movie made like this before.
Not every bit works, sometimes the scenes are too shaky (visibly) and some of those side characters aren’t as natural actors. But other times the shots are beautiful and the real-people-as-actors charismatic and charming or sincere and complex. I don’t think I’m the normal audience for a real life rodeo show, although I understand the appeal.
People are attracted to danger and skillful people. Any number of Olympic athletes might be risking their lives in their events, and NASCAR or F1 racing is known for the potential for harrowing crashes. I admit to enjoying the antics of magicians and stunt people showing off amazing tricks for the camera. So I get it.
This was in general a very good movie, but the style won’t appeal to everyone. I think there’s a strong segment of the population that probably doesn’t know this movie exists, but they should. I think they would love it.
The Rider has a run time of 1 hour 44 minutes and is rated R for language and drug use.
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