‘Tiger’ movie review: A cautionary tale of a flawed champion
A brand new HBO documentary movie on Tiger Woods charts the rise and fall of the American {golfing} sensation narrated by individuals who have recognized him
In the course of the heights of his early success as an expert golfer, Tiger Woods was requested by Oprah Winfrey to elucidate his parentage. “Cablinasian” got here the reply, an amalgamation of Caucasian, Black, Indian and Asian. Tiger’s life has been as difficult and compelling as that concoction above.
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From the time he introduced himself as a two-year-old prodigy until his epic comeback win on the 2019 Augusta Masters, Tiger’s life has come a full circle. Listed here are among the tags and episodes he’s needed to cope with in that point – non-white American {golfing} sensation, “Michael Jordan in lengthy pants”, main championship trophies, Grand Slams, extra-marital affairs, public and media shaming, divorce, surgical procedures galore, automobile accident, arrest for reckless driving, comebacks from the brink. Tiger Woods is that award-winning scriptwriter who by no means was.
Tiger Woods is awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019
| Picture Credit score: CLODAGH KILCOYNE
A HBO documentary movie Tiger, unfold over two components and over three hours lengthy, covers his unbelievable life as narrated by individuals who knew him: associates, caddies, professional golfers, journalists, former girlfriends, mistresses. Nonetheless, Tiger and his household don’t lend their voices to this movie, which might be its solely weak spot. Archive interviews, talk-show segments, press conferences have been cobbled collectively to substitute for this. Treasured dwelling movies of his childhood give a glimpse of the making of Tiger, and his difficult relationship along with his father, Earl Woods.
Partially one, the movie focuses on two broad themes – race and parenting. As a teen, Tiger reduce one interviewer quick and declared he could be greater than {golfing} legend Jack Nicklaus. The truth that he’s black would solely add to his aura.
He was proper. Golf was a bastion of Caucasian America, as Sports activities Illustrated journalist Gary Smith mentioned within the movie. Tiger arrived as a brand new ‘black’ hope storming a white, elitist sport by defeating Nick Faldo on the prestigious Masters at Augusta, Georgia in 1997. A Nike business performed the race card, with Tiger narrating cases when he was not allowed inside sure golf equipment, bringing again reminiscences of the unhealthy outdated days of segregation.
Sensing Tiger’s present for golf, Earl wished to bundle Tiger as a champion and a messenger of hope and peace, like Mahatma Gandhi or Mandela. Within the greens and at dwelling, it was all about golf.
Whereas Earl and spouse Tida’s parenting efficiently raised a pushed champion, it didn’t essentially put together him for all times’s different challenges, based on his former girlfriend Dina, who options extensively. Dina’s dwelling movies present Tiger letting his hair down at events, a part of her quest to persuade Tiger that there’s extra to life than golf. But, his dad and mom noticed her as a menace to their quest and the connection got here to an abrupt finish.
After the passing of his dad Earl in 2006, Tiger’s fortunes in his life and profession see-sawed
| Picture Credit score: Hans Deryk
Tiger’s extra-marital affairs may be traced to his personal father’s infidelity. It affected Tiger emotionally however after Earl’s passing in 2006, Tiger’s fortunes in his life and profession see-sawed. Tiger’s fascination for the Navy Seals got here from Earl, a military man who served in Vietnam. Collaborating in fight drills, leaping off planes was like a escapism for Tiger, who risked profession threatening accidents. It might have contributed to him having to go underneath the knife a number of instances years later as he deliberate for a comeback.
With out a strict dad wanting on, Tiger’s private life began spiralling uncontrolled as he made journeys to Las Vegas, some with Michael Jordan in tow. A socially awkward Tiger requested his associates how they chat up girls, and all they mentioned was: “Simply inform ‘em you’re Tiger Woods!”
Paradoxically, Tiger ended up doing what he loathed about his father and it was a matter of time earlier than the tabloids pounced. What occurred in Vegas might by no means simply keep in Vegas, in Tiger’s case. A few of Tiger’s mistresses who got here out later had been satisfied that he beloved them, and the few who spoke for this movie spoke about how emotionally draining it was to recall these reminiscences.
Shut associates and his long-serving caddie Steve Williams present little bitterness on digital camera regardless of Tiger slicing them off his life so unceremoniously within the years after his divorce from spouse Elin Nordegren.
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren, photographed in 2004
| Picture Credit score: REGINA H. BOONE
Tiger’s want to stay a traditional life in an irregular world grew extra delusional as his fame grew, and his associates felt a way of pity and understanding that it was not straightforward being him.
The movie tries to strike a stability between Tiger the champion and Tiger the flawed hero, although the half two focuses on the latter, unapologetically. The uncomfortable fact for Tiger and his followers is that his sexual escapades will linger on in reminiscence. Nonetheless, Tiger’s jaw-dropping moments in golf and championship wins get their due. But over three hours of movie, ideas on his private life and upbringing provoke questions. Did Tiger fail his followers? Did the entire of America fail him?
The movie is a cautionary story of what can go flawed when stars fail to handle their fame. Nonetheless, till Tiger narrates his model, opinions should still be divided on his legacy.
The hit single Eye of the Tiger by the American band Survivor has these traces from the refrain:
“It’s the, eye of the tiger it’s the fun of the battle,
“Rising as much as the problem of our rival.”
Tiger dominated a few of golf’s largest names. Finally although, his largest rival, was himself.
Tiger is presently streaming on Disney+ Hotstar
