Starring Brad Pitt in a prominent role, Moneyball explores a groundbreaking methodology that transformed the baseball scene. Pitt takes on the character of Billy Beane, the general manager of Oakland Athletics, who disrupts established norms by employing data analytics to construct a competitive team within budget constraints.
Moneyball skillfully portrays the dynamic between conventional norms and forward-thinking concepts, offering a glimpse into Beane’s unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo. Pitt’s magnetic portrayal enhances the film’s complexity, rendering it an engaging journey that delves into how an unconventional approach can revolutionize a sport ingrained in age-old practices.
Important Scenes Were Cut From The Film
For Bennett Miller’s Academy Award-nominated film, the screenplay initially encompassed various interactions featuring Billy Beane’s former spouse, Sharon (played by Robin Wright). However, these moments were subsequently condensed to a solitary scene in the ultimate version of the film.
Nonetheless, Robin Wright fared relatively better than Kathryn Morris, cast as Billy Beane’s second wife, Tara, whose scenes were entirely removed. In both instances, the editing decisions are rational; Moneyball attains its triumph by centering on the baseball storyline — an aspect of Beane’s journey that inadvertently omits the women in his life. Kathryn Morris is known for her role in Steven Spielberg’s AI: Artificial Intelligence.
As reported by the Los Angeles Times, there was never an official explanation provided for the removal of Kathryn Morris’ four scenes, despite lingering remnants of the character, such as Billy Beane’s wedding ring, still present in the end product.
Brad Pitt Convinced Bennett Miller To Direct The Film
Bennett Miller, the last individual to lend a hand and the sole director to undertake filming, entered the picture in 2010. When Brad Pitt (who was also producing the film) initially approached Miller about taking on the project, the director renowned for Capote wasn’t entirely persuaded that the endeavor could be successfully executed.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Miller recounted that after perusing the original book and various iterations of the screenplay, he traveled to Los Angeles with a sense of uncertainty. He questioned whether the studio would be receptive to the creative approach he had in mind.
Rather than approaching Moneyball as a conventional sports film, Bennett Miller and Brad Pitt shared a mutual desire to craft a subversive work that sidestepped clichés and conventional norms. Once Miller communicated his vision, Sony Pictures embraced the concept, opting to narrate this distinctive story and provide viewers with a distinctive and engaging drama.
While Moneyball may present itself as the seamless creation of a singular mind, the reality is that the film’s script was intricately woven by amalgamating scenes and facets from the diverse screenplays penned by Stan Chervin, Aaron Sorkin, and Steve Zaillian. Chervin’s initial script from the early stages of the project underwent multiple revisions, subsequently being refined by Zaillian and Sorkin, who separately contributed to different scenes.
Also Read: “I’m really missing her:” Not Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt Preferred Being Married to Another Ex-wife
Source: The Week
