I, Tonya

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Mia F Margot Robbie gives an incredible performance in this sports drama/comedy biopic of disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding. The film follows the early life and career of Tonya Harding (Margot Robbie) and her alleged involvement in an attack on figure skating rival Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver), alongside husband Jeff Gillooly (Sebastian Stan). Craig Gillespie does an excellent job of building suspense and sympathy for the characters as he includes interviews/testimonials of the characters, as the story builds. It provides a unique perspective into the events unfolding. The dialogue and acting is incredibly naturalistic, which is especially clear during the interviews of characters with slang and profanities being heavily used. The cinematography is very consistent and primarily utilizes eye level and shoulder level shots which put emphasis on the acting and story rather than the editing. The structure could be considered non-linear and very similar to Orson Welles’ 1941 drama “Citizen Kane”. Orson Welles pioneered the art of filmmaking as we know it today, and the structure of this film can be seen heavily influencing “I, Tonya” with the entire story being told as a flashback and through multiple points of view (P.O.V). The primary P.O.Vs in “I, Tonya” are Tonya (Margot Robbie), Jeff (Sebastian Stan), and LaVona Golden (Allison Janney) who is Tonya’s mom. Each provide perspectives of the attack on Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver), that are different. This contrast really helps to build suspense and engagement from the viewer. Even at the end of the film, viewers are only provided with the conclusion that each person involved has a different recollection of the events, leaving the viewer to formulate their own opinion. This is unique as it is not quite a formal and obvious cliff-hanger but still leaves viewers feeling somewhat unsatisfied as it lacks a conclusion. This is intentional from Gillespie and contrasts the very textbook plot structure of his film “Lars and the Real Girl” for example. The editing of “I, Tonya” is very well done. The slight use of CGI really enhanced the movie and was done in an inconspicuous way, and only used to supplement figure skating moves such as the triple axel (a move only done by about 6 women in the world). This meant using a stunt double would be impossible; however, the CGI did not take away from the film and instead enhanced its realism. The mis-en-scene was again realistic and very well balanced, always showing just enough of the background to add context but not take away from the character, which could not be said from filmmaking of the German Expressionist movement (where the background played a vital role alongside actors in creating the tone and mood of the film). I would recommend “I, Tonya” to everyone. You don’t need to have a particular interest in figure skating. The film really drew me in through its unfiltered style and added just enough humour to make it palatable to anyone. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/20/25 Full Review Todd L If Martin Scorsese grew-up in a trailer park in the Pacific Northwest, he would have made this film instead of "Goodfellas". A+ flick! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/12/25 Full Review Birithivy Y I, Tonya - 9/10. Craig Gillespie's I, Tonya was heralded for the standout performances of Margot Robbie and the oscar winning performance of Allison Janney when it first came out. But as a film, its a brilliant heightened fictionalized biopic which tells the tragic story of olympian Tonya Harding. A movie I remember watching for the first time at TIFF, I was blown away by the inventiveness of making the true life story told in a dynamic way. Though easily a story that could have been a strict sports drama, the film tells the ups and downs of the character through dark comedy. Its through the brilliant performances and the writing that create such an entertaining watch. Shot and edited at times almost like a Martin Scorsese film, the film creates intrigue and interest in the story of Tonya by delivering the story through interviews with the main characters. The way the backstories are told, and seeing how her life unfolds is quite impactful. There are many moments where you really feel for Margot as that character, and she really makes you feel deeply sad for Tonya at times due to the predicaments she faces in the figure skating environment. The way the director shows the classism and judgement found in the sport is quite eye opening, and really helps you empathize with the title character. Though a tragic story, you can't help but laugh at the logic that some characters have and some of the dialogues they say in tense situations. Its that brilliant tip toeing of drama and comedy that makes me feel this movie should deserve more love outside of the acting. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/28/24 Full Review Savannah G Margot Robbie- I am not sure if there is a film I dont like with her in it- Her ability to get into the character to the T with her flare is really impressive. The story itself is pretty devastating I appreciate how close to the actual story it got which is really when I enjoy biopics. Margot though and her leading role and ability to stand out as an impressive actor is the reason for this film for me. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/19/24 Full Review Jelisije J Probably the most over the top biopic that you will ever see. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/06/24 Full Review Edward P Una película fantástica, con una comedia cruda pero que funciona muy bien para contar una historia tan sensible y que te llena de muchas emociones. La actuación de Margot Robbie es simplemente perfecta. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/16/24 Full Review Read all reviews

I, Tonya

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