By Rick Horrow and Karla Swatek
September 15, 2011
I loved “Field of Dreams,” and of course, “The Natural.” But as intriguing a read as I found Michael Lewis’ bestseller about Billy Beane, the Oakland A’s, and sabermetrics to be, I’m not convinced Moneyball will translate to the big screen, to a mass audience – even with Brad Pitt in the lead role.
“Moneyball,” released by Sony Pictures, makes its world premiere Friday night at the Toronto International Film Festival, a couple of weeks ahead of its U.S. release on September 23. Kirk Honeycutt of The Hollywood Reporter wrote about the upcoming film, "Moneyball" looks "good perhaps not for a home run but certainly a long double or even an exciting scoot around the bases for a head-first triple.” While Variety adds, “’Moneyball’ should appeal well beyond—if not always to—the game’s fans.”
Interestingly, the A’s General Manager Billy Beane, the central figure in Lewis’ financial drama, has made few public comments about the film. Beane’s silence, according to the San Jose Mercury News, “has led to speculation that he is uncomfortable being cast as a genius at a time when the standings tell such a different story." A’s officials, including owner Lew Wolff, reportedly gave the film a thumbs up after a private screening last week.
Subscribe to feed
