Hollywood Art: System of sunnys

"Jerry Maguire" is one of those movies that manages to connect with the audience due to the quality of the script. If we evaluate Jerry, he's someone who clings to the artificial, and it's this artificiality that allows Jerry Maguire to keep going without stopping to think about how he lives, acts, and why. When he has a different idea, he often ends up being sanctioned, not fully understanding his position, falling prey to his impulses, and being guided to make mistakes. He's also guided towards learning to be with people beyond superficiality, or the vain idea of succumbing to lies, deceit, or insincerity.

From the moment Jerry keeps everything to himself, he fails to realize that friendship is a painful process, the truth we give to our friends. But Jerry doesn't know friendship or intimacy. He lives imprisoned by superficiality; empathy eludes him. That's why the innocence of a child shatters him, making him understand that he must be good. If we were to describe Jerry Maguire, we might say he's one of the most charismatic people around, but he's also a thorough loser who can be amusing.

On the other hand, there's Dorothy, the woman who has always seen him from a distance and who supported him in his time of need, the woman who was there at his lowest point and eventually accepted him. She even knew she would be with Jerry once he stabilized his life, guiding him further away from the simple path and teaching him to love, to be part of a family, to understand that one must express their feelings and that a person must care for those around them. All of this was aided by Cuba, who despite being an ironic figure, is what Jerry needs to understand why he cannot live in such a superficial relationship.

It's a drama about the sports world that, through clever plotting, developed a romantic subplot that was excessively sentimental. Even the decision to hire Renée, supported by Billy's suggestion to Jim for the interview, was merely complimenting the film. From several levels of interpretation, the movie not only managed to convey that optimistic idea about contemporary morals but also took a step away from the typical American hero; the ordinary man, the man who needs a purpose, is better.

-We have Michael Jordan interested in participating in a few scenes. He's decided to get back into it but wants to have a chat with Billy. Even his friends want to meet him, - Richard Sakai commented.

-Michael Jordan? Decided to be in a movie because he wants to have a chat with Billy? That's ridiculous; it's Michael Jordan, - Cameron commented, utterly perplexed. Something like this doesn't usually happen.

-His agent mentioned that the Bulls team are die-hard fans of the 'Slam Dunk' comic, and well, for them, it's an honor finally to meet Billy. He doesn't usually accept interviews and attends a few public events... It's hard to schedule meetings with him, - Richard Sakai said.

Not far away, filming continued with the camera assistants capturing the scene where Rod and Jerry fight. For Rod, this is how friendship works: honesty without deception.

 

Philadelphia Locker Room - Night (Arizona)

Tidwell arrives, moving slowly with a bag of clothing.

-How's your head? Bubbling, - Jerry/Billy commented.

Tidwell sits in a wheelchair, signs an autograph, and moves forward. Jerry is beside him.

-The quarterback stinks, man. He's gonna get me killed, - Tidwell/Cuba commented, still in character. He's a calm man, but when he steps into Tod's shoes, he's a real pain.

-I'm a little worried, - Jerry commented.

-I'm worried too. I'm worried that the only reason I'm here to have my brains blown out is that you weren't dumb enough to get my ten million three months ago, - Tidwell commented.

-Damn it, Rod, you run your damn show! I got a damn cup for you in my notice, - says an enthusiastic fan.

With great skill, Tidwell pats the fan and moves him towards other tired players.

-Peace, my drunken brother. Don't talk to me about gambling, - Tidwell/Cuba comments.

The crazy fan moves on to another player. Jerry proceeds cautiously.

-We can still accept the offer, Rod, - Jerry commented.

He pauses.

-No, - Tidwell said.

Jerry looks at his friend, a little puzzled.

-Well, stay healthy. I'll show you the Kwan, - Jerry/Billy commented.

Annoyed by Jerry's words.

-Hey, that's my word, okay? - Tidwell said.

-I'll see you in Arizona, - Jerry commented.

-I'll have the game of my life on Monday Night Football and show all these sons of bitches, - Tidwell said.

-Take care, okay? You're my entire client list, - Jerry said.

-I don't know. Now go home to your wife. - Tidwell responds, guiding his gaze at Jerry, giving him that clear look that he should be a better man, somewhat judging him.

-What's that supposed to mean? - Jerry asks.

-Why are you here, man? You could have told me all this over the phone. - Tidwell questions on the side.

-I don't know, how about some "commitment" for an answer? - Jerry says.

-You don't want to go home, do you? - Tidwell responds.

-Why are you doing this, Rod? - Jerry comments.

-I'm asking you a question... - Tidwell says.

-No, you're not. - Billy interrupts his lines, showing clear discomfort. Jerry isn't good with these unsettling topics.

-I'm trying to talk to you. How's your marriage? - Tidwell says.

Jerry looks at Rod for a moment. It's the simplest question, yet he doesn't have a quick answer. Cuba's smile plays with Billy's slightly flushed face.

-Not everyone has what you have. - Jerry remarks.

-So why did you get married? I'm asking as a friend. - Rod says.

-You're attacking me. - Billy shakes his head in response.

-I'm sorry I asked. -

-No, I'm going to answer you. Do you want an answer? I'll give it to you. - Billy says a bit more agitated, Maguire-style.

Defeated.

-Loyalty. She was loyal. - Billy reluctantly admits. It all starts there.

-That's an answer. - Tidwell comments. - Out of loyalty you get a dog, out of love you get married. - Rod/Cuba pitches in again, teasing Jerry in his mischievous way.

-Look, I'm glad to entertain you, as always, but I have a question for you. Are we really "friends"? - Jerry asks.

-Why not? - Tidwell asks curiously.

-Well, friends can tell each other anything, right? If we put on our "friends" hats... - Jerry says.

-I think so. - Tidwell cautiously comments. Jerry always has his strange ways.

Jerry's eyes widen as he looks intensely at Rod, causing Cuba to unintentionally step back.

-Listen. Here's why you don't have your ten million dollars. You're a salary guy. You play with your head, not your heart. In your personal life? Heart... But when you step onto the field... - He points a finger towards Tidwell's head. - You're a businessman. Those are good lenses. It's always someone else's fault on the field, who screwed you over, who owes you for it. That doesn't inspire people, sorry, but that's the truth. Can you handle it? Just a "question," Rod, between friends. - Jerry comments.

Rod gives a pitiful look, somewhat weary, and responds.

-You don't want us to be friends anymore. - Tidwell comments.

-Fine. - Jerry says.

Both are angry.

-Are we still having dinner in Los Angeles? - Jerry asks angrily, while Tidwell grumbles in the background.

-Just because my wife likes yours! - Tidwell comments.

Jerry leaves, and Tidwell is angry. And hurt.

-Heartless? Heartless? - Tidwell shouts at Jerry. - I'm all heart, you son of a bitch. -

He gets on the bus.

-Cut. - The scene stops. It's five minutes of continuous acting, six if you count the entire scene.

That's a great take, guys. - Cameron tells his team of assistants who handled the shot, going into some details.

While Cameron praises his team, Richard Sakai approaches Billy to ask if he can arrange a meeting; the details are on hand, and the proposal remains innovative. Billy has a good relationship with Philip Knight, and in simpler words, there's a close circle.

-They want a meeting, maybe a business proposal. - Richard Sakai comments, unaware of the entire backstory between Billy and Michael, which is more a culmination of relationships from many places, different from close relationships; they have several mutual friends.

-Where are they? - Billy asks.

-They're on vacation. But they're practicing in Los Angeles. You can go visit them. - Sakai says.

-Finish recording here, and I'll take notes. - Billy comments, sighing inwardly. As a secret, he wants to buy the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, the San Francisco Giants, and even the San Francisco 49ers. He's made offers for all the teams to create a large sports conglomerate. According to calculations, the Los Angeles Clippers are valued at $65 million, the Los Angeles Galaxy at $5 million, the San Francisco Giants at $100 million, and the San Francisco 49ers at $150 million.

However, the San Francisco 49ers have been in family disputes since Edward J. De Bartolo died in 1994. Legal issues in the family persist, and it may be possible to resolve everything with a simple check. With American football, basketball, and soccer teams, it would be enough for him. But a hockey team catches a lot of attention.

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