The Business of Pain

Author(s): Marcus Dennis
Location: Ohio

"The Business of Pain"

Directed by Michael Mann
Written by Eric Roth and Michael Mann

Main Cast

Eric Bana – Jack Cranor
Uma Thurman – LeeAnn Cranor
Kevin Spacey – Dick Simpson
James Woods – Commissioner Walther Adams
Omar Epps - Leon Whitfield
Michael Madsen – Rex Washington
Brendan Fraser – Jake Norton

Tagline: "Would you apologize for doing your job?"

Synopsis: Jack Cranor (Bana) is a family man. He spends time with his wife, LeeAnn and kids (Diane Venora) and hangs out with friends. But on the football field, he is a menace. The most-feared linebacker in the league. One commentator calls him “Love” because once he hits you; you’ll never feel the same again. Despite his tough on-the-field presence, he is carefree off-the-field and maintains a good rapport with his teammates, especially Star Running Back Leon Whitfield (Epps) and fellow linebacker Rex Washington (Madsen).

In the season opener, a devastating tackle to Quarterback Jake Norton (Fraser) puts Norton in a coma. After the game, it is revealed that Norton is paralyzed. When asked if he feels sorry for Norton, Cranor’s response of “No, it’s part of the game” evokes a media frenzy”. Cranor is criticized by some, praised by others, and suspended by Commissioner Walther Adams (Woods) after refusing to apologize.

This suspension takes a toll on more people than just Jack. The situation drives his wife LeeAnn, into depression and alcoholism, which Jack tries to shield from his kids. His coach Dick Simpson (Spacey) would love for him to return, but wouldn’t want Jack to infringe on his pride. Commission Adams loves the media attention that the league is receiving, even if it is negative. His friends Leon and Rex support him so much, that they quit playing football, until Jack is allowed back into the league.

A nation of supporters and detractors are on Jack’s back, but he doesn’t care. His determination to earn his respect and reinstatement, along with putting his relationships with his family and teammates back together, is so strong that he takes his fight all the way to the Supreme Court.

What the Press would say:

Michael Mann’s latest film “Business of Pain” tackles mature issues with mature direction and acting. There are no cheesy Hollywoodized scenes with a rising score and teary eyes. It is real and never tries to be anything but. Eric Bana, one of the underrated performers gives a tremendous performance, ranging from charismatic father and husband, to savage player, to proud defender of his rights to do his job. Uma Thurman is a brilliant counterpart to Bana. Her drunken tirades are some of the best scenes in the movie and chemistry with Bana is electric. Kevin Spacey adds a veteran presence and shows the conflicting emotions of his character perfectly. James Woods brings his usual arrogance to the role of the sleezy commissioner. Omar Epps and Michael Madsen are solid supporters, but the real surprise here is Brendan Fraser. Usually known for goofball comedies and the occasionally drama, Fraser turns a brief, but powerful performance. His speech from his deathbed to Bana’s character is emotional and touching without being pretentious and cheesy. This is not a football movie. It’s a movie about standing up for what you believe in and not backing down from a fight.

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Director
Original Screenplay
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Supporting Actor (Spacey and Fraser)
Supporting Actress (Thurman)
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