Film Review : Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Rating: 9.5/10

Genre: Sport/Biopic

Related films: When Billie Beat Bobby, Ali and Race 

By Leanne Harragan

The ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs was the most watched televised sport event ever. While battling against each other on the court, Riggs and King were fighting their own personal battles. Addiction, equality and sexuality all come to the forefront in this tale. 

I was very excited for this release and was not disappointed. The script is wonderful, full of some great one liners, the cast were flawless, great score and sublime set/costume designing. Everything came together to make this film the great success I think it will become. 

Emma Stone was a great casting decision, she has come along way since her star role in 2010’s ‘Easy A’ (a classic) and coming off of the huge successes of ‘La La Land’, her portrayal of Billie Jean King was enchanting. I particularly enjoyed Steve Carell’s performance as Bobby Riggs. For someone who is usually so likeable in all his roles, it was almost impossible to like him playing this incredibly chauvinistic man. I want to give special mention to Andrea Riseborough who played Marilyn, the chemistry between her and Stone was undeniable and contrasted nicely against the awkwardness around King’s husband Larry (Austin Stowell.) To be honest, the casting all round in this film was great, kudos to casting directors Justine Baddeley and Kim Davis.

One final thing that stood out for me was the score in the last five minutes of the film; when King won the match it swelled into a crescendo while her family and friends flooded the court. It then dropped to absolute silence and stillness while she sat alone in the changing rooms. Then during a touching moment when King’s designer said ‘one day we will be free to love who we love’, the music rose back up adding to this touching moment. 

Gay Scale: The third gay film that I’ve seen this year in the cinema, this is considerably poor representation as having viewed over 121 cinema releases, I think it’s safe to say that I watch much more than the average person. As this was based on real life, it wasn’t a choice to have the LGBT representation in there. 

Rating : 9/10

By Rebecca Mannick

I already knew that I was going to enjoy 'Battle of the Sexes' - Emma Stone, sport and lesbians, which are most of my favourite things all in one movie! But aside from those factors, it was still a very solid movie. It really highlights how important Billie Jean King was not only for women in tennis but general equality, period. She became a voice for many woman and used her talent and sport to highlight social issues. 

So obviously this is a biographical film, based around the highly anticipated 1973 tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell). A match that I didn't know anything about, but so glad I do now. The differing opinions between Riggs and King was apparent throughout the movie. As King separated from the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) and held her own woman's tour, Riggs (a retired US Open winner) challenged King to an ultimatum in the match. 

If it wasn't enough, holding her own tour, dealing with the opposing LTA and performing on the court, King was also finding herself through her sexuality. Taken by surprise by her hairdresser, she then had to come to terms with sexuality, and try to hide her new relationship from her husband. Baring in mind this is the seventies where being gay was unacceptable, I think they mentioned it being a sin (lol). So can we get a round of applause for our first official gay scale movie. Which is absoultely shocking. This is only the second mainstream movie this year that has a gay main character (the first one being Atomic Blonde) and even so, it couldn't have been bypassed in this film. Its biographical to Billie Jean so you would ultimately have to show her personal relationships. We are also blessed with two homosexual characters actually, the stylist for the woman tour played by Alan Cumming which is very fitting. King and him share a very special moment at the end of the movie, which on one side very optimistic but also heartbreaking.

I loved Emma Stone's performance, she was beautiful and breathtaking. One of her most finest pieces of work. Also can't believe how much Steve Carell actually looks like Bobby Riggs, its uncanny. Everything about the movie was catered to the time period it was set in. The fashion, hair styles and soundtrack were all related to the 1970's. I also loved how the colour grading of the screen made it look like it was even shot back then. 'Battle of the Sexes' despite its terrible name is a very important movie which is definitely worth a watch.