Thanks to a storied performance at the Berlin Olympics at the height of Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Jesse Owens has been synonymous with track and field greatness for three generations.
This weekend, black history comes to the big screen by way of the Stephen Hopkins film “Race,” a depiction of Owens’ rapid transcendence from collegiate track star to Olympic hero. The film is specific to the small window of Owens college career and preparation for the 1936 Olympics.
“Race” comes to theatres just in time to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Owens’ earning four gold medals in a single Olympiad.
When he arrived on Ohio State University’s campus, Owens was the fastest collegiate sprinter in the world. But because of his skin color he was not awarded an athletic scholarship.
He worked two jobs – one to support his education and the other to help his family at home – in addition to being a full-time student athlete.
Even as the star of his track team, Owens was subjected to the segregation laws of his day – despite his family migrating from Alabama to Ohio when he was a small child.
He ran with the weight of an entire people on his shoulders – some of whom thought America didn’t deserve him because of the way the country treated blacks. His seminal performance came nearly 20 years before the Montgomery Bus Boycotts incited the Civil Rights Movement.
Hopkins’ interpretation of Owens’ storied performance at the Olympics feels more like an inspirational television movie than a feature film. The cruelty imposed upon people of color is made apparent, but diluted to make it digestible for mainstream moviegoers.
Those looking for the untold story of Jesse Owens won’t get it with “Race.” What they will see is an on-screen reenactment of Owens’ ascension into an iconic sports figure, just as it has been told for decades as part of Olympics and Black History Month programming.
Aside from the relationship with his Ohio State University Coach Larry Snyder, Owens’ support system and family ties play a relatively minor role in “Race.” The 1984 television film “The Jesse Owens Story” starring Dorian Harewood was more compelling in that sense.
“Race” also takes some liberties as far as historical accounts to enhance America’s image. Owens often said he felt more disenchanted with being ignored by President Franklin Roosevelt than discounted by Hitler. An illustration of that irony would have added some much needed depth to “Race.”
While more one-dimensional than most films offering a snapshot into the life of a historical figure, solid performances and an authentic evocation of the era enhance the experience.
Unknown actor Stephan James perfectly captured Owens’ clean-cut persona and expressed the determination one would expect of an athlete of his caliber. The film portrays a more willful Owens than the times would have allowed, and James leans into that element in a way to make it somewhat believable.
Jason Sudekis in a starring role without the crutch of comic relief seems questionable, but through “Race” he shows his potential as a serious actor.
While the film is lacking in the layers that make for an interesting biopic, seeing this black history moment make its way to a major theatre release is in itself a major win.
And watching Owens succeed despite obstacles in his path that many black youth can relate to today – poverty, teen parenthood and lack of educational resources – may compel audiences to put in the work towards living their own best lives.
“Race” opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, February 19. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 134 minutes.
