This is the first time I'm seeing this film. I love Paul Newman. But he was 52 when this was made. We're supposed to believe a 52-year-old guy is playing hockey? Some players are still on the ice in their early 40s but then they retire.
shareJagr and Brodeur of the Devils are in their forties and still rocking!!!
shareThe script called for someone in his mid-to-late thirties. (Al Pacino, who was about 37 at the time, originally wanted the role). So from that perspective he probably was too old. That being said, like most actors he looked young for his age, and he was great in the role.
shareCan Pacino even skate? So glad that Newman got the role instead.
That said, they probably should've dyed his hair a little to make him look somewhat younger, as the role made more sense for a guy in his late 30's, with his career winding down.
Guys still playing in their 40's are usually the superstars who were phenomenal when they were in their prime, but can still cut it with the average younger guys.
Can Pacino even skate?
Ha, then why the hell would he'd have even been considered for the part?
That, and I don't see him playing this role with the subtle comedy that's required of it.
Well, also, I can't F'ing stand Pacino.
I read about this a while ago. If I remember correctly, Pacino was such a big star at this point, having just come off the Godfather movies, that he was a front-runner for the role. The problem was that he wanted full control of the production, including his choice of director - Sydney Lumet (Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon), which was a deal-breaker for the studio (not so much Lumet, but Pacino having control of the movie).
shareI read about this a while ago. If I remember correctly, Pacino was such a big star at this point, having just come off the Godfather movies, that he was a front-runner for the role. The problem was that he wanted full control of the production, including his choice of director - Sydney Lumet (Serpico, Dog Day Afternoon), which was a deal-breaker for the studio (not so much Lumet, but Pacino having control of the movie).Huge blessing and genius move by the studio if that's the case (and boy, you never say that very often). The movie was directed by George Roy Hill, who also directed Newman in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting'. George Roy Hill was also from Minnesota and, if I'm not mistaken, coming from Minnesota he was a huge hockey fan and I think that is clearly evident in the film. And of course he already worked with Paul Newman on a couple of all-time classics, so it really was a perfect mixture.
Gordie Howe is a name mentioned already. Chelios retired just shy of 50 and to be honest, he could've probably made it past 50.
shareSlap Shot was based off of the WHA league. Gordie Howe played in the WHA into his 50s with his two sons on his team.
Actually it was based on the Johnstown Jets of the North American Hockey League, which was a third tier minor league in the 70s. The sister of one of the players followed the team for a year and wrote the script
sharethe movie was pushing the limit at 52
share