One of the sweetest and most kind-hearted films I've ever seen. Fever Pitch (1997) isn't a tear-jerker; it's more sentimental and reflective. Fever Pitch isn't about football, it's about faith and community.
In flashbacks, we see how Paul's love of football, in childhood, changed his family dynamic by allowing his previously distant sister and mother to participate in his passion and share his enthusiasm. Football made the house a happier home. Paul's unwavering faith in his team (Arsenal F. C.) extends to every part of his life and directly effects the people around him.
As an adult, Paul teaches English and coaches football. All of his students like him. When Sarah is hired as a new math teacher they quickly become a couple, but Sarah's lack of faith in Paul spotlights the driving point of the film. There's no reason why Sarah should be so critical and unsupportive of Paul. The hinted motivation for Sarah's frustration with Paul is jealousy: It's clear Paul's popularity and status in the community intimidate her. Now, as a couple, Sarah must compete with football for Paul's attention and she tries to argue Paul into submission.
Sarah's disrespect and belittling of Paul's passion for football continues until it de-facto ends their relationship. Sarah then spends her days isolated, reconsidering her criticisms of Paul. Finally, when Sarah's students show appreciation for her by giving her a gift, they compare her mannered teaching style to the famous Arsenal football manager George Graham who "pushes hard but get's results". Touched and honored by this comparison, Sarah realizes she over-reacted with Paul and quickly runs back to him. It's obvious her decision to stay with Paul is the correct one. Everyone who is shown to share Paul's love of football has a fun and happy relationship with him. In the final shot of the film Paul and Sarah are seen walking home, enjoying each others company.
The camera-work in Fever Pitch is smooth, which helps to keep the scenes interesting. The whole film is a great snapshot of the 90's. The overall tone is spunky while maintaining a realistic and grassroots through-line. The casting is perfect, with all of the performances feeling true to life, even the kids. The dialogue, however, is the #1 standout: you can tell peoples arguments are pulled from real conversations. Fever Pitch is a pleasant watch for anyone who enjoys up-beat romance and/or comedy.
In flashbacks, we see how Paul's love of football, in childhood, changed his family dynamic by allowing his previously distant sister and mother to participate in his passion and share his enthusiasm. Football made the house a happier home. Paul's unwavering faith in his team (Arsenal F. C.) extends to every part of his life and directly effects the people around him.
As an adult, Paul teaches English and coaches football. All of his students like him. When Sarah is hired as a new math teacher they quickly become a couple, but Sarah's lack of faith in Paul spotlights the driving point of the film. There's no reason why Sarah should be so critical and unsupportive of Paul. The hinted motivation for Sarah's frustration with Paul is jealousy: It's clear Paul's popularity and status in the community intimidate her. Now, as a couple, Sarah must compete with football for Paul's attention and she tries to argue Paul into submission.
Sarah's disrespect and belittling of Paul's passion for football continues until it de-facto ends their relationship. Sarah then spends her days isolated, reconsidering her criticisms of Paul. Finally, when Sarah's students show appreciation for her by giving her a gift, they compare her mannered teaching style to the famous Arsenal football manager George Graham who "pushes hard but get's results". Touched and honored by this comparison, Sarah realizes she over-reacted with Paul and quickly runs back to him. It's obvious her decision to stay with Paul is the correct one. Everyone who is shown to share Paul's love of football has a fun and happy relationship with him. In the final shot of the film Paul and Sarah are seen walking home, enjoying each others company.
The camera-work in Fever Pitch is smooth, which helps to keep the scenes interesting. The whole film is a great snapshot of the 90's. The overall tone is spunky while maintaining a realistic and grassroots through-line. The casting is perfect, with all of the performances feeling true to life, even the kids. The dialogue, however, is the #1 standout: you can tell peoples arguments are pulled from real conversations. Fever Pitch is a pleasant watch for anyone who enjoys up-beat romance and/or comedy.