Jockey

Cinema must remain a fertile ground for diverse experimentation and at times can move us as much as it can surprise us. In the case of Clint Bentley's magnificent debut film, we can't help but applaud both the remarkable performance of Clifton Collins Jr. (Star Trek (2009), Pacific Rim (2013), Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)...) and the screenplay by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar and the latter's sophisticated and beautifully choreographed direction.

Jackson Silva (Clifton Collins Jr.) is an aging jockey who is aiming for one last major championship before hanging up. He lives simply and his job as a jockey is the most important thing to him. He puts his heart into it because he not only loves the feeling of being in harmony with his horse but also feels free. His simple life becomes more complicated when a beginner rider arrives pretending to be his son. Jackson Silva decides to take him under his wing and instill his values as well.

Director Clint Bentley's approach easily contrasts with the flashy sides of Hollywood cinema. At no time does he seek to follow in the footsteps of Hollywood sports films and bring spectacular scenes to life. On the contrary, by choosing to remain constantly in reality and by placing this story in an intimate and deeply human setting, he makes Jockey a film that is not only aesthetically beautiful but also marked by an Oscar-winning performance for Clifton Collins Jr. This eternal second role shows that he has the stature to put a film on his shoulders. By filming on real race sites, far from the reconstructions seen in many films, Jockey impresses by his simplicity but above all by his very moving story of the handover between two Jockeys.

Sundance shows once again that this festival is an important showcase for independent American but also worldwide cinema to find an important showcase to shine. Such a film could have gone unnoticed had it not been selected in official competition. Winner of the Special Jury Prize for Best Actor for Clifton Collins Jr., it is hoped that this film will be distributed worldwide and will be seen in France (following its World Premiere at Sundance, the distribution rights for this film were bought by Sony Pictures Classics).

Jockey
Directed by Clint Bentley
Produced by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Nancy Schafer
Written by Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar
Co-Producer: Linda Halbert
Executive Producers: Larry Kalas, Larry Kelly, Jon Halbert, Walt Penn, Cheryl Penn, Mark Crozier, Genevieve Crozier, John Greenwood, Cindy Greenwood, Ann Grimes, Jay Old, Clifton Collins Jr., Ben Fuqua, Jordy Wax
Production Designer: Gui Marini
Starring Clifton Collins Jr., Molly Parker, Moises Arias
Music by Bryce Dessner, Aaron Dessner
Sound Design/Mix: Lee Salevan
Cinematography: Adolpho Veloso
Edited by Parker Laramie
Production companies: Marfa Peach Company, Contrast Films, ICM Partners
Distributed by Sony Pictures Classics
Release date: February 1,2021 (Sundance)
Running time: 99 minutes

Seen on February 03, 2021 (Sundance Festival)

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