Grab your skates, Psychos! We’re diving into the messy, bruised, and wildly subjective world of I, Tonya (2017) for Sports Month. We aren’t just talking about figure skating; we’re breaking down the media’s role in creating villains, the dark humor behind real-life trauma, and whether or not this biopic actually told the truth—or if the truth was ever the point.
Guest Spotlight
We are joined by our friend Katie Baldassare from Movie Runtime and the hilarious podcast What If I Don’t Like It? Check out her work and subscribe to her shows here: Movie Runtime YouTube | What If I Don’t Like It Podcast | Katie’s Instagram
What We Cover
- Why I, Tonya makes a surprisingly fun rewatch
- A biopic that refuses to play by the rules
- When every narrator tells their own truth
- The uncomfortable comedy of Tonya’s abuse
- Sean is the movie’s most gloriously delusional creation
Analysis: The Truth vs. The Punchline
Brian and Katie dissect why this film stands out from your average, fluffy biopic. By using a mockumentary style and breaking the fourth wall, the filmmakers force the audience to confront their own complicity in the 90s media circus. We discuss the absolutely detestable (yet Oscar-winning) performance of Allison Janney and ask the tough question: Was Tonya Harding a victim of her own circumstances, or a willing participant in her own downfall? Spoiler alert: the media coverage at the time was a total disaster.
Spoiler Warning
The final act of this film is a gut punch, and we dig deep into the ending scene. We talk about the tragic realization that Tonya Harding was handled by everyone in her life, from her mother to her husband to the sports governing bodies, and how the movie forces us to witness the end of her career and the beginning of her life as a tabloid object.
Verdict
I, Tonya is a must-watch for anyone who likes their biopics with a side of grit and a lot of broken glass. It’s an essential look at how we, the audience, help build and destroy our cultural heroes and villains. ⛸️
Listen to the episode and let us know your take on the Harding/Kerrigan saga below! 🎧
Next time, we’re keeping the sports theme alive with a look at Rocky via the Silver Linings Playlist Podcast.