With the recent announcement of the Dennis Rodman biopic, 48 Hours in Vegas, with Jonathan Majors in talks to star as the basketball Hall of Famer, it's likely the film will dramatize parts of a story to fit the typical narrative structure of movies and television. But certain moments in sports history are often recreated on-screen to encapsulate what it felt like in real life.
Whether it's moments of triumph or tragedy, recreating some of the biggest moments in sports can be difficult but are almost always necessary, considering the importance of the moment to an athlete or team's story. Seeing a historical event in sports in real-time can never be beaten, but seeing it recreated and acted out can add an emotional punch to a story when done well.
Kareem Beats The Buzzer In Magic's First NBA Game: Winning Time (2022 - )
HBO's Winning Time is an extremely well-made show for all intents and purposes. Even though many of the figures on who the show is based aren't too fond of how they are being presented and its heavy dramatization, there are still plenty of moments that are presented very closely to how they were in real life.
As season 1 exhibits the early days of the "Showtime" LA Lakers of the '80s, it takes the time to include their 1979 season opener vs. the Clippers. Its place in NBA history is cemented in being Magic Johnson's first NBA game and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar winning the game at the last second with his signature skyhook. The show reflects on this moment as it kick-started the Lakers' run to the Finals in 1980.
"Do You Believe In Miracles?": Miracle (2004)
The Kurt Russell-led Miracle is known as one of the most inspirational sports movies of all time, as the film tells the story of the underdog 1980 US men's ice hockey team and their run to the gold medal at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Made up of college players and facing a dominant Soviet squad, the team pulled off one of the most notable upsets in sports history.
The game, known as the "Miracle on Ice" was given the film treatment in Miracle, aided by Mark Isham's score and the iconic call from Al Michaels. As the final minutes of the game and celebration ensue, the match is proceeded by an emotional monologue from Russell as Coach Herb Brooks.
"Why, Why, Why?": I, Tonya (2017)
The attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is one of the most infamous moments in Olympic history, as the assault was conspired by the husband of her Olympic teammate and rival Tonya Harding, and his friend so that Harding could gain a competitive advantage.
Though I, Tonya follows Harding, the attack on Kerrigan is a key event in both the film and Harding's career and the film gives more insight into her involvement. The attack is depicted as quick and intense as it was in real life by encapsulating the gravity and seriousness of the moment. The scene is very detail oriented, including Kerrigan's agonizing, "Why, Why, Why?" line.
Robinson Vs. LaMotta VI: Raging Bull (1980)
Though director Martin Scorsese has only two sports films in his filmography, one of Robert De Niro and Scorsese's many collaborations. Raging Bull is the biopic of boxer Jake LaMotta and while great at his sport, he's very easy to root against. While the film focuses on LaMotta's life, a handful of his fights were recreated, most notably Robinson vs. LaMotta VI.
In his sixth fight against legend and rival Sugar Ray Robinson in 1951, the bout wasn't even close. LaMotta was worn down with ease and for many viewers, it's a brutal but somewhat satisfying scene. It's almost as if LaMotta had what was coming to him, considering his jealous tendencies and horrible temper outside the ring.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Gets Drafted: Rise (2022)
When Giannis Antetokounmpo was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, most basketball fans didn't know much about him. Giannis had limitless potential as a rookie, and over the years, has developed into one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen. 2022's Rise showcases Giannis's journey from Greece to the NBA and the obstacles he and his family overcame.
One of the more notable moments in recent NBA draft history was recreated for the film, as Giannis and his brother Thanasis traveled to New York City with the hopes of him becoming a lottery pick. With all the other top prospects in the green room, the future Hall of Famer gets drafted while sitting in the stands, as his brother waves the Greek flag with pride.
Jim Morris Strikes Out Clayton: The Rookie (2002)
Going from high school teacher to MLB pitcher in less than a year is an impressive feat on its own, but doing it at the age of 35 is almost unheard of. Former Tampa Bay pitcher Jim Morris' story is told in The Rookie where he's portrayed by Dennis Quaid in an inspiring performance.
In what is the biggest highlight of his career, the oldest rookie in MLB history took the mound for the first time with his first batter being Texas Rangers shortstop, Royce Clayton. The moment in the film is intensified with a dramatic score as Morris earns his first MLB strikeout.
Rudy Gets Carried Off The Field: Rudy (1993)
Rudy Ruettiger only got to play in one game of college football but his journey to Notre Dame Stadium is a story for the ages and the basis of 1993's Rudy. The themes of perseverance and adversity present throughout the film lead to the biggest moments of Rudy's life in a 1975 matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.
On the final play of the game, Rudy sacks the Georgia Tech quarterback and his teammates lift him and carry him off the field in celebration. As the film states in the epilogue, Ruettiger was the only player to ever be carried off the field at the time of the film's release.
Riggs vs. King: Battle Of The Sexes (2017)
As women's tennis rose in popularity throughout the 1970s, conversations about equal prize money in comparison to their male counterparts would become prevalent. After defeating Margaret Court, a 55-year-old Bobby Riggs faced a prime Billie Jean King, confident he could secure a victory against any female tennis player.
The saga is recounted in Battle Of The Sexes, with Emma Stone and Steve Carell giving some of the best performances of their careers as King and Riggs, respectively. King put in a dominating performance against Riggs after a slow start in what would be a groundbreaking moment for women's tennis moving forward.
Rumble In The Jungle: Ali (2001)
Coming into the fight as an underdog, Muhammad Ali's 1974 bout against George Foreman was one of the most anticipated fights in the history of boxing. 2002's Ali explores The Greatest's life up to that point, showcasing the trials and tribulations of one of the most renowned athletes ever.
The "Rumble in the Jungle" is utilized as the climax of the film, with Ali winning by knockout in the eighth round. The role of Ali would earn Will Smith his first Oscar nomination and is still one of Smith's best movies of his career.
From Stocker to MVP: American Underdog (2021)
Nowadays, fans of the NFL can see Kurt Warner analyze the slate of games every Sunday morning on NFL Network. But before that, he put together one of the most unlikely Hall of Fame careers as a player which was recounted in the 2021 biopic American Underdog based on his life, starring Zachary Levi.
In a matter of a few years, Warner went from grocery store stocker to starting quarterback of the St. Louis Rams, and his first NFL game was recreated in the film with attention to detail. From starting the game with an interception to recovering and leading his team to victory with three touchdown es, it kick-started a season for the ages as the Warner-led Rams would become known as "The Greatest Show on Turf."
