Thank you for these very astute analyses of this wonderful film. Here in the UK, Ice Hockey is virtually unknown, I first saw Slap Shot in 1982, British network TV is generally more liberal with language and content, they were then only the ‘watershed’ being earlier and more liberal since. But in 1982 they accidentally seem to have broadcast the full cinema version, it went around school especially as some now had VHS recorders and the film was on quite late so some did record it. Though what a ‘TV’ version would sound like beggars belief given the level of swearing. I have a soft spot for 1970’s Hollywood, especially ones being that rare thing, set with what we call Working Class (Blue Collar) communities and people. So another firm favorite of mine is 1978’s ‘Blue Collar’, another great film but much more overlooked. I have read that on cinema release a lot of the audience were Paul Newman fans from early in his career, so now middle aged and generally conservative, so what they made of their favorite star in a snarling, highly profane, often explicit and very violent film with him as the instigator of much of it, must have been shocked to say the least!
Binge watched your essays on this movie. It's astonishing and humbling to witness someone display his admiration (equal to my own) so effectively. Thank you.
It really is a shame that this video never caught on. This is the best deconstruction of slapshot ive ever seen. Ive probably watched this video 4-5 times but ive seen slapshot 20+ times easily.
Favorite scene in the film is when Reggie tells Lily Braden there's been murders and rapes in the park she's in, and her only reply is to deadpan: "I didn't do it"
Excellent analysis. I played city league basketball for many years and the similarities in masculine-feminine relationships as well as the locker room and play at times were very similar. The writer was obviously very versed in all of what you recount and did an excellent job with the script to illustrate what was happening in relationships and the sports world at that time, not only in hockey. Keep up the great work!
I went to see the Philadelphia Flyers at least once a week as a kid in the '70's. This movie reflected and was influenced by that team. I was caught up in the hyper energy of watching the Flyers goonery as well as their high talent. Those guys were strong husbands and family men as well, contrary to the caricatures in Slap Shot.
Seeing that I've seen Slap Shot probably 300 times or more, ("Watched" might be a over statement because it was on almost 24/7 in the Bus when I was touring for years with my band on the road) I found it surprising that near the beginning around 4:00 mark or so that he says Brayden had cheated on his wife in the movie. I guess I'm gonna have to back and watch it again (AGAIN?? AHH LOL) to find where this is stated or talked about.
Hi love your videos and your take on some of my all-time favorite movies. Was wondering along the lines of the above review of "Slap Shot" was wondering if you could do like wise to Michael Cimino's Clint Eastwood/Jeff Bridges heist flick "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" from 1974. The ultimate "guy" flick and it's a gold mine of subtext. Another flick that could use your unique view is 1979's "The China syndrome"- is it really just about nuclear power and its almost prophetic release a month before Three Mile Island or is there more going on? Check 'em out and I look forward to your take.
This a great modern review of an old classic movie. He did however miss the irony in the fact that modern sports have more women viewers than ever before and they LOVE the violence now. This contradicts his views of the women in this movie. Currently, men seem more concerned with their fantasy leagues and betting lines and care much less about championships than they once did.
It would be interesting to explore the change roles and definitions of gender roles and fluctuating sexuality 3:33 Ned Braden vs Coach Dunlop represent the shift in acceptable masculinity and male sexuality in society at large. There's probably a thesis in there somewhere connecting Brayden's subtle bisexuality, Dunlop's utilization of homophobic nonsense as a mind game vis-a-vis his own players and opponents and the GM Joe's own closeted homosexuality. Parallel is Nancy's independence, business success and how it enables her own sexual independence from a gas lighter like Dunlop Dunlop's only retort to being compared to a heroin user by Anita and learning she won't try to sell the team is to lash out at her son's sexuality apropos of nothing but the child listening to his mother to help with groceries and wear a sweater
It was insinuated when the woman in the Benz drives by and greets Ned while he and Reg are walking by the plant. Reg asks who that was and Ned responds “slips my mind”, to which Reg says “maybe your wife remembers” as she pulls up in the van.
Thank you for these very astute analyses of this wonderful film.
Here in the UK, Ice Hockey is virtually unknown, I first saw Slap Shot in 1982, British network TV is generally more liberal with language and content, they were then only the ‘watershed’ being earlier and more liberal since.
But in 1982 they accidentally seem to have broadcast the full cinema version, it went around school especially as some now had VHS recorders and the film was on quite late so some did record it.
Though what a ‘TV’ version would sound like beggars belief given the level of swearing.
I have a soft spot for 1970’s Hollywood, especially ones being that rare thing, set with what we call Working Class (Blue Collar) communities and people.
So another firm favorite of mine is 1978’s ‘Blue Collar’, another great film but much more overlooked.
I have read that on cinema release a lot of the audience were Paul Newman fans from early in his career, so now middle aged and generally conservative, so what they made of their favorite star in a snarling, highly profane, often explicit and very violent film with him as the instigator of much of it, must have been shocked to say the least!
Binge watched your essays on this movie. It's astonishing and humbling to witness someone display his admiration (equal to my own) so effectively. Thank you.
Another fine review of subtleties in Slap Shot I never considered. Thanks for your great work on these!
A pleasure, sir. Thank you for your support of this channel.
It really is a shame that this video never caught on. This is the best deconstruction of slapshot ive ever seen. Ive probably watched this video 4-5 times but ive seen slapshot 20+ times easily.
Favorite scene in the film is when Reggie tells Lily Braden there's been murders and rapes in the park she's in, and her only reply is to deadpan:
"I didn't do it"
Great analysis and critique !! Thanks !
One of my favourite films of all time. 👏🏼👏🏼
Excellent analysis. I played city league basketball for many years and the similarities in masculine-feminine relationships as well as the locker room and play at times were very similar. The writer was obviously very versed in all of what you recount and did an excellent job with the script to illustrate what was happening in relationships and the sports world at that time, not only in hockey. Keep up the great work!
the homophobia is Slapshot is done for the same reason as the racism in Blazing Saddles.
I went to see the Philadelphia Flyers at least once a week as a kid in the '70's. This movie reflected and was influenced by that team. I was caught up in the hyper energy of watching the Flyers goonery as well as their high talent. Those guys were strong husbands and family men as well, contrary to the caricatures in Slap Shot.
Love the depth of analysis👍Have you considered doing one on Rollerball 1975 ?
An absolute masterpiece. Thank you.
Nancy Dowd great screenwriter
Seeing that I've seen Slap Shot probably 300 times or more, ("Watched" might be a over statement because it was on almost 24/7 in the Bus when I was touring for years with my band on the road) I found it surprising that near the beginning around 4:00 mark or so that he says Brayden had cheated on his wife in the movie. I guess I'm gonna have to back and watch it again (AGAIN?? AHH LOL) to find where this is stated or talked about.
Hi love your videos and your take on some of my all-time favorite movies. Was wondering along the lines of the above review of "Slap Shot" was wondering if you could do like wise to Michael Cimino's Clint Eastwood/Jeff Bridges heist flick "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" from 1974. The ultimate "guy" flick and it's a gold mine of subtext. Another flick that could use your unique view is 1979's "The China syndrome"- is it really just about nuclear power and its almost prophetic release a month before Three Mile Island or is there more going on? Check 'em out and I look forward to your take.
Love your comment. Thunderbolt and Lightfoot is a diamond.
This a great modern review of an old classic movie.
He did however miss the irony in the fact that modern sports have more women viewers than ever before and they LOVE the violence now. This contradicts his views of the women in this movie. Currently, men seem more concerned with their fantasy leagues and betting lines and care much less about championships than they once did.
It would be interesting to explore the change roles and definitions of gender roles and fluctuating sexuality
3:33 Ned Braden vs Coach Dunlop represent the shift in acceptable masculinity and male sexuality in society at large. There's probably a thesis in there somewhere connecting Brayden's subtle bisexuality, Dunlop's utilization of homophobic nonsense as a mind game vis-a-vis his own players and opponents and the GM Joe's own closeted homosexuality. Parallel is Nancy's independence, business success and how it enables her own sexual independence from a gas lighter like Dunlop
Dunlop's only retort to being compared to a heroin user by Anita and learning she won't try to sell the team is to lash out at her son's sexuality apropos of nothing but the child listening to his mother to help with groceries and wear a sweater
I don't recall Ned Braden cheating on his wife, and I've watched the movie many times.
It was insinuated when the woman in the Benz drives by and greets Ned while he and Reg are walking by the plant. Reg asks who that was and Ned responds “slips my mind”, to which Reg says “maybe your wife remembers” as she pulls up in the van.
An incredibly entertaining movie.
well my mom and my wife love it so there it is.
This movie I mean.
Greatest Hockey movie ever !!!!
Jack Robinson.