Spearheaded by Steven Soderbergh's resourceful / expedient directorial ingenuity (producing a gorgeous motion picture from nothing more than an iPhone & some affordable stabilizers / lenses), Tarell Alvin McCraney's lean screenplay (seething with a biblical heft and a savvy subversiveness toward the capitalistic status quo), and a crackling cast (led by the smooth and silky André Holland, playing the ever clever sports agent Ray Burke), "High Flying Bird" is a disruptive game-changer on many levels.
Released directly onto Netflix—and bypassing just about every buffer / middle-man possible—the production of this film nicely mirrors the core message of the movie: preaching the power of intellect & cunning in circumventing the hegemonic powers that be. Sure, the aforementioned streaming service is a hegemonic power in its own right; but in many ways, a film like "High Flying Bird" would hold a very small probability of being made if it sought out funding & a platform in the superficial movie-scape of modern Hollywood.
Leading by example, "High Flying Bird" thus showcases just how invaluable the schemings of a sharp mind can be in terms of bringing the big boys (whether that be the NBA or major studios / producers) to the negotiation table. With zingy dialogue, a taut / melodious pace, and a few unexpected twists that boast the rewards of outsmarting one's adversary in the internecine marketplace of modern capitalism, there is not a boring or vapid moment to spare.
Devoid of excess & superfluity, "High Flying Bird" is truly a feat of economic filmmaking; and though sports are never directly depicted in action, the philosophical, fiscal, and even spiritual elements of what it means to have a love for the game—and what it means to position oneself in a way that demands and earns respect from the game that has been placed "on top of the game"—are ever palpable: sermonized onscreen from the pulpit of pointed cynicism and adroitness.
Suffice to say, if you have not yet seen this film, do not let "High Flying Bird" burrow too deeply into the catacombs of Netflix's bizarre algorithm; and as always, it is recommended that you watch "High Flying Bird" first if you do not want key plot developments to be spoiled.
Finally, if you enjoy the podcast, please like / subscribe / share the word with your friends!! And we look forward to seeing you again when we publish our final episode of this segment of sports movies (the "Behind the Scenes" sub-genre), which will analyze on the recent classic, "Moneyball".
Happy New Year!
