Varsity Blues Movie Analysis

DeVonte’ Jordan
Professor Shawanda Stewart
English 0313
November 4, 2014
Varsity Blues
I give two thumbs up for the absolutely outstanding movie “Varsity Blues” directed by Brian Robbins. Varsity Blues is such an outstanding movie played by some magnificent actors such as Paul Walker, James Van Der Beek, Ali Larter, Amy Smart, and plenty other amazing actors. This spectacular movie it takes place in 1999 in a small town high school football team where their coach only cares about reaching his 23rd district championship title. As players for this football team, they went through hell and back dealing with the pressure from the community and their overbearing coach constantly giving them a very difficult time throughout the entire season. Jonathon
“Mox” Moxon who is played by James Van Der Beek is a very intelligent person who receives an academic scholarship to Brown University is the backup quarterback to Lance Harbor played by Paul Walker. Everything turns for the Coyotes when Lance Harbor gets hurt and isn’t able to play for the remainder of the season, so Jonathon Moxon chance to play is finally here. Stepping up to big role of the team as the starting quarterback he takes control and charge of the team to lead them to their 23rd district champion title. In “ Varsity Blues” it shows a lot of visual effects to make this movie so outstanding and unique. Varsity Blues is an excellent movie because it has a wonderful use of low angles, slow motion, sound, color, and a superior acting cast.
The way Brian Robbins combined these aspects in each scene, highlights the emotion of the scene. Ultimately I think you're supposed to realize that we put too much pressure on people to be a hero for us, and if they let us down, our whole world can fall apart. We need to learn to stand up for ourselves, instead of waiting for someone to come along and do it for us; otherwise we'll remain followers all our lives. Stepping up to a big role as starting quarterback takes a lot of responsibity to acquire because the entire team looks up to take charge of the
team. During the game you see Wendel running the ball, he is unstoppable, and the only sound you hear is the song "Every Little Thing Counts" once again Mickey Moussing the scene.
Some of it is in slow motion, to show how hard he has to work to get there. Then when he gets the touchdown you see him celebrating in slow motion again, as if savoring the moment. Then we see Wendel in slow motion again when he gets injured. As he is helped off the field we see Kilmer conspiring with the trainer, and behind him we see Wendel, but not in focus. Showing that he is about to become a victim. During halftime we go into the locker room again, following Mox on a steady came into the office. When Kilmer attacks Mox for rebelling, there are many jump cuts that give a sense of chaos. Then you see that Kilmer has lost his team, he leaves the room hoping that they will follow. He stands out in the long dark hallway waiting for
them.
When they don't come we watch him walk down the long hall, very isolated and alone. The game begins again with a montage of plays that don't tell you much about who's winning until there is a shot of the scoreboard. During a crucial play the camera switches to slow motion again. This is one my favorite moments in the film. The camera is level with the field, and the shot is in slow motion, you see Billy Bob put his hand down on the ground, there is no sound until his hand touches. When this happens all you hear is "Hero" begin again, and the camera pans up to his face, and you hear, behind the music, his breathing. From the low angle he is very menacing, and you know that you do not want to be the person standing in his way. This is a wonderful moment in the film. During the final play, which is again in slow motion for suspense, there is no sound except for heavenly music. Billy Bob falls to the ground, tackled by three people, and you don't know it's a touchdown until you finally see a referee make the sign for one.