This Sporting Life

British director Lindsay Anderson's first feature was a classic marking the "Kitchen Sink" realism and "Angry Young Man" films to follow like "If..." and "O LUCKY MAN!". 
This is also a star making role for the great Richard Harris who was in top form both in his physicality and more importantly in his acting prowess. 

It tells the story of a frustrated Frank Machin (Harris), a lodger in love with his widowed landlady Margaret Hammond (Rachel Roberts). He tries to make something of himself by trying out for the local Rugby team and  eventually succeeds. His sheer physicality and smarts on the football field earns him a buzz and he is signed to an unprecedented contract. 

His frustration however continues to boil over as his landlady continues to ignore his affections and the owner of the team treats him like a dispensable commodity. He is badly injured in one match when his front teeth were bashed after receiving a violent blow from one of their opponents.

Anderson was able to show Machin's struggles in flashbacks and chronicles his search for acceptance in the gritty life of middle class Britain. Clearly this film also shows the class status and difference in British society, the character of Machin was able to represent the working class that continued to fight to find a better life for themselves in that time.

The story is also simple enough as it shows Machin struggle and eventually find success but the one person that he desires the most despises him. They were able to consummate their relationship but she continued to shut him out probably because the memory of her late husband still haunted her. This eventually leads to his out of control ego and his anger towards her and at the same establishment that made him a success.

The key for the film was obviously Harris who was able to carry the film although his performance is obviously a ripoff of Brando's in films like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "On the Waterfront", his sullen expressions and violent outburst reminds me so much of a young Brando that I can't help but think that it was not Harris who was in the role.

But credit should be given to Harris nonetheless, he had the guts to show his dark side without compromise in this gritty film. Certainly worth the watch even though some of the scenes are too difficult and unbearable, I think it's the way the director Lindsay Anderson wanted it.

Grade: A