Although it’s a sport that has often been depicted in film in a more comedic way, stunt-oriented skateboarding became an increasingly popular activity in the 1970s, as the Santa Monica culture began to spread throughout the nation. Competitions and videos certainly helped to spread awareness of why skating was something to be taken seriously, but the most significant factor in its growing prominence was the popularity of celebrity skaters, many of whom were only teenagers when they started.Lords of Dogtownis acompelling biographical dramaabout the rise of a real group of skaters, and features an excellent supporting performance byHeath Ledgerin one of his most underrated roles.
What Is ‘Lords of Dogtown’ About?
Jack Black Gave One of His Smartest (and Best) Performances in This Overlooked Existential Comedy
Black was absolutely hilarious, yet surprisingly moving in this Michel Gondry movie.
Lords of Dogtownis a surprisingly informative film about the way that skating culture operates, as it examines how the sport grew from a casual hobby into an art form that required the creativity of its participants to be highly individualistic. Although the film does a great job of capturing the period aesthetics of the 1970s, it also has a timeless story about friends being split apart by age and ambition. While the pressure of being a celebrity who has a sense of authority within a relatively niche field is always a significant pressure, it is even more challenging for young men, each of whom lacks a positive male role model in their lives. This makes their dynamic with Skip more interesting; while initially they treat Skip like he is just another one of their friends, they ultimately realize that the insights that he hason the inherent cruelty of capitalismand the value of authenticity are far wiser than they had initially imagined.
Heath Ledger Is the Heart of ‘Lords of Dogtown’
Even though it’s a supporting role,Skip has a complete character arc that concludeswhen he decides to go back to his love of surfing, bearing no ill will towards the Z-boys. Nonetheless, Ledger’s presence feels absent from the second half of the film, as the boys are now without a watchful protector, andface a subsequent loss of innocence. While skating fans may look toLords of Dogtownas the most accurate depiction of the sport onscreen, they may be surprised to find how sensitive Ledger is in one of his most unique performances.
Lords of Dogtown
