King Richard: An Oscar Contender?
Perhaps the year’s most overt attempt at Oscar glory, “King Richard” might just earn Will Smith that long-awaited statuette. The film centers on Richard Williams (played by Smith), a determined father living in Compton, California, with his wife Brandi (Aunjanue Ellis) and their five daughters. He is a fiercely protective figure, shielding them from the harsh realities of their environment by relentlessly pushing them in their academics and, most importantly, their tennis training. His two youngest, Serena (Demi Singleton) and Venus (Saniyya Sidney), display exceptional potential.
Lacking the resources for elite sports academies, Richard tirelessly pursues renowned coaches, attempting to persuade them to train his daughters for free with the conviction that they will become champions. Seen by many as obsessed, even bordering on delusional, Richard remains steadfast in his unwavering belief – he has a master plan, and he’s sticking to it, come what may.
The Shadow of Obsession
Richard Williams’ life story could easily be reimagined as a psychological thriller. The idea of a parent mapping out his children’s entire future before they are even born, dictating their life’s trajectory, and exerting unwavering control is inherently unsettling. It evokes the tragedy of someone who, denied the opportunities to pursue their athletic aspirations due to their disadvantaged upbringing, now projects them onto their offspring.
Such parents are a familiar sight in the world of sports: they are the loudest voices in the stands, they try to overrule the actual coaches(a quirk that Richard displays), and they celebrate their children’s achievements as if their own. In this regard, “King Richard” presents a remarkably accurate depiction of an obsessive father, one among countless others (albeit without the KKK and ghetto background), but with the significant difference that his daughters happen to possess genuine, extraordinary talent.
Will Smith delivers a compelling performance, embodying a man burdened by the failures of his past, whose paternal affection teeters on the edge of unhealthy, manic obsession. He projects an unsettling aura when he withholds simple pleasures from his daughters because of his peculiar convictions, or when he compels them to repeatedly watch “Cinderella” in an attempt to deconstruct it meaning (“you must always be humble”), a notable character quality that the film’s Richard himself doesn’t seem to readily possess. As other characters point out his overbearing egotism, the viewer can’t help but quietly concur.
The Hero’s Journey? A Contradiction
Despite all of this, the film’s narrative arc positions Richard as an unequivocally positive figure, the hero of his own story. Every unconventional notion he espouses, whether it’s finding a coach without paying or refusing to participate in junior tournaments, ultimately proves to be justified.
All those tough “life lessons” dispensed to his daughters are depicted as the wisdom of a revered mentor. His authoritarian control transforms into the key to their success– after all, Venus and Serena rose to become champions, a fact that seems to validate his methods. In those rare moments where Richard falters and missteps, his wife promptly intervenes, guiding him back on the right course. Her function in the film largely involves delivering occasional, heartfelt monologues that set her husband back on the track (the kind of role that often considered “Oscar-worthy” material for Best Supporting Actress categories).
Tone vs. Reality: A Disconnect
The core of the problem doesn’t stem from a place of morality. It’s not whether the character is positive or not – but the disconnect between the narrative tone and the material it presents. The filmmakers of “King Richard” actively nudge viewers to overlook what’s on the screen and embrace an entirely different perspective.
Will Smith’s excellent performance seems to uncover a shaded side to the character than the direction fails to see. We see a man’s insecurities, destructive ego, and a desire for absolute control. But no consequence ever comes as result this behavior. Because “King Richard” turns away towards a saccharine success story.
King Richard almost feels as if Richard Williams himself were in total creative control–a film that desperately looks to have the inspirational quality of “Coach Carter,” but ultimately lands closer to the feel of a predictable underdog story such as “Hardball”.
An Unusual Sports Narrative
Even when viewed as sports celebration, the film still creates an unusual narrative. There’s little evidence of overcoming adversity, failing to create emotional impacts. The filmmakers seemed to break genre cliches, but in reality all we were able to see was a family that was told they would succeed, so they did. The film avoids active confrontation, except the external world who fails to see talent and can’t succeed.
Those who oppose all failed to cause much damage, making the film feel dull and uninspired.
Unfulfilled Commentary
Although portrayed in the film, it doesn’t cause problems for our protagonists. We have murders, KKK stories, and tales of police brutality. All this helps highlight Richard’s character but fails to touch the surface of race relations. Although at the start of there story their economic class affects decision making, but it does little to hold back these two great women on the court. Instead of a visual message we are subjected with worn tired lines we’ve come to know in an underdog flick.