MovieChat Forums > Cinderella Man (2005) Discussion > Why Max Baer was portrayed this way

Why Max Baer was portrayed this way

posted 13 years ago by TheTaxidermist
46 replies | jump to latest

I know a lot of people have a big gripe with the way Ron Howard portrayed Max Baer. In the movie Max Baer is a heartless killer. In real life he killed a man in the ring but was very remorseful.

Understandably, shedding a historical character in an inaccurate light certainly isn't a good thing to do. Howard had to do it this way. If he shows Baer as an overall nice guy, not out to actually harm Jimmy, then the conflict that Mae feels completely loses it's effectiveness. With Max going out and telling Mae that he was going to essentially kill her husband, it helped to add a new layer to the championship bout. That's just my two cents. Maybe you disagree, but I don't think the ultimate victory, for both Mae and Jimmy, would have been as good.

[–] darthkarl66 9 years ago

A great Boxing film needs a great villain. And the way Max Baer was portrayed, as inaccurate as it may have been, was pitch perfect for what was needed.

[–] Don-the-Lamplighter 8 years ago

I felt that The Great Depression and/or age were ample enough villains.

For me, the portrayal of Baer hurt the movie. It cheapened it. And not just because of how inaccurate it was. Every character was so real, except for Baer, who was almost cartoonish.

Projecting an Ali-type persona (and a pretty lame one at that) onto a 1930's fighter took me out of the movie. They could've shown Baer for the decent, caring guy that he was while simply showing that he was all business once in the ring, without missing a thing. He didn't need to be some bloodthirsty monster in order to pose a very real and ominous threat.

Dragged what otherwise would've been a 9 down to a 7 for me.

[–] 9 years ago

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[–] 8 years ago

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[–] baran_erik 8 years ago

Dramatic license.

[–] chrisamon 8 years ago

As is my opinion about many movies, it was not meant to be a documentary. Rather, drama based on (key words) something that happened.

I found it very successful entertainment. Why so many don't understand that movies aren't factual is beyond me. They're for entertainment, plain and simple.
You want historically correct,educational recordings? Go find them. Movies that are not promoted as such...guess what...surprise, surprise...are not, and don't need to be.

edit:

by ChristianDiorScientist» Sat Apr 2 2016 08:12:47
This is a great article about the defamation of dead people through egregious film representation. A film doesn't have to be the history channel, but when it's using real people's names and events I need to see the truth even if the facts have been altered.

'Just read your post, and all I can say, is read my last paragraph. I understand your need to see the truth as do I on occasion. Go get it. I saw no defamation, as I knew I wasn't watching a (once again) documentary. Key word, dramatization, it's a wonderfully entertaining thing... 

.....................Sometimes ya gotta wonder.... 

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] chrisamon 8 years ago

"Then make up the names too, just don't use real people in your story."

Wonderful. Great idea. I suggest you go ahead and do so.... You make your movies your way, others will make them theirs. 

Isn't freedom great?! 

.....................Sometimes ya gotta wonder.... 

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] chrisamon 8 years ago

Find a hobby. Get out of the house. Join a club. Socialize with real humans beings instead of a screen.

In other words, get a life. 

.....................Sometimes ya gotta wonder.... 

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] chrisamon 8 years ago

More blaah, blaah, blaah. I'm overly impressed by your vast wisdom. The movie was not advertised as a documentary. It was entertaining. Enuff.

You're quite welcome. Have a nice day. 💏

.....................Sometimes ya gotta wonder.... 

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] chrisamon 8 years ago

I don't have the same recollection. But, so be it . You live in your world and we'll let it be at that. 

.....................Sometimes ya gotta wonder.... 

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] chrisamon 8 years ago

Why thank you. I appreciate your permission.

I'll reciprocate by allowing you to continue with your pompous, holier than thou posts (while looking down your nose, I presume) while I continue to have fun.  💏

.....................Sometimes ya gotta wonder.... 

[–] 8 years ago

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[–] 8 years ago

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[–] 8 years ago

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[–] johnmarti59 (2356) 3 years ago

I agree with you.