Cobb Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An angry baseball player hires a writer to tell everyone how great he is, but the writer quickly finds out he’s just an angry man, and things get weird.

🍿 Cobb: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: Writing Cobb’s Autobiography

In 1960, aging and ailing baseball legend Ty Cobb hires sportswriter Al Stump to co-write his authorized biography. Cobb, notorious for his aggressive playing style and abrasive personality, aims to set the record straight about his life and career. He wants to be remembered as the greatest, but also feels misunderstood.

Cobb’s Dark Side Revealed

As Stump spends time with Cobb, he witnesses firsthand the baseball star’s volatile nature. Cobb displays racist, misogynistic, and abusive behavior, revealing a deeply troubled character. Stump becomes torn between writing a sanitized version of Cobb’s life, as the legend demands, or exposing the truth about his dark soul.

Two Different Books

Stump begins working on two different versions of the biography. One version is a carefully crafted narrative designed to appease Cobb and present him in a favorable light. The other, a more truthful and unflinching account of Cobb’s life, is kept hidden, intended for publication after Cobb’s death.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ty Cobb (Tommy Lee Jones): The infamous baseball legend hires a writer to pen his autobiography, revealing himself to be a complex and deeply flawed man.
• Al Stump (Robert Wuhl): The sportswriter hired to write Ty Cobb’s biography who grapples with the legend’s controversial nature and the truth of his life.
• Ramona (Lolita Davidovich): A woman encountered by Cobb and Stump, representing the casual cruelty and misogyny often displayed by Cobb.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ty Cobb: “I am the greatest ballplayer ever lived!” – Cobb’s unwavering self-belief and arrogance, central to his character, is demonstrated through this statement.
• Ty Cobb: “Baseball is war!” – This quote encapsulates Cobb’s aggressive and ruthless approach to the game.
• Al Stump: “I did something Ty Cobb never did… lie.” – Stump’s narration highlights his internal conflict and decision to expose Cobb’s true nature despite the initial agreement.
• Ty Cobb: “He could run okay for a fat man.” – Cobb’s demeaning commentary about Babe Ruth after Stump questions him about the player.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $1,007,583
• Worldwide Gross: $1,007,583

💥 Cobb Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie years ago and being completely blown away by Tommy Lee Jones. He embodies Cobb’s intensity and rage so well, it’s almost uncomfortable to watch. The scene where he’s just ranting about Babe Ruth is hilarious, but also a little scary. It’s not your typical feel-good sports movie, but it’s definitely a memorable one. I was disturbed by the hate and also the complexity of the whole thing. Worth watching if you want something gritty.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of baseball history”
  • “Viewers interested in biographical dramas”
  • “Tommy Lee Jones fans”
  • “Those intrigued by flawed and controversial figures”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Racism”
  • “Violence”
  • “Brief male nudity”
  • “Suggestive sexual situations”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Tommy Lee Jones delivers a powerhouse performance as the complicated and controversial Ty Cobb. While the film occasionally veers into caricature, Jones’s intensity and commitment anchor the story, making it a compelling, if unsettling, watch.
• RogerEbert.com: “”Cobb” presents a dark and unflinching portrait of a baseball legend, unafraid to showcase his flaws and contradictions. The film’s strength lies in its willingness to challenge the hero worship often associated with sports biopics.

Audience Reactions

Tommy Lee Jones’s intense performance as Ty Cobb is captivating and unforgettable.: Viewers praise the film for its unflinching portrayal of Cobb’s complex and controversial personality, and Tommy Lee Jones’s acting.

Overall Consensus: Cobb is a dark and complex sports biopic anchored by a powerful performance from Tommy Lee Jones, praised for showcasing the controversial and contradictory nature of Ty Cobb.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Much of how Cobb was portrayed in this film has now been widely recognized as inaccurate, based on Al Stump’s books and magazine articles which have been widely discredited.”
• “The film’s depiction of Cobb’s life is based on Al Stump’s biography, which has been criticized for inaccuracies and exaggerations. Later biographies offer alternative perspectives.”
• “Tommy Lee Jones’ performance as Ty Cobb has been praised for its intensity, but some critics argue it borders on caricature.”

🖥️ How to Watch Cobb?

As of now, “Cobb” (1994) is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check your preferred streaming service or rental platform to see if it’s currently available for streaming or digital rental.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Cobb, you might like these similar films:

• Raging Bull (1980): Both films explore the dark side of fame and the self-destructive tendencies of a celebrated athlete.
• The Natural (1984): Another great baseball film that delves into the themes of greatness and the burdens of exceptional talent.
• Moneyball (2011): Shares a focus on baseball but approaches the sport from a biographical angle, scrutinizing baseball legends.
• Eight Men Out (1988): Explores the darker side of baseball history, focusing on scandal and the flawed characters involved.

🛒 Cobb Related Products

• Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty: A comprehensive biography of Ty Cobb, providing a balanced and insightful look at his life, career, and controversial personality. It challenges many myths and legends that surround the baseball icon. This book offers an alternative interpretation of Al Stump’s book on Cobb.
• Detroit Tigers Vintage Baseball Cap: A classic vintage-style baseball cap featuring the Detroit Tigers logo, reminiscent of the era when Ty Cobb played. It’s made of high-quality materials for comfort and durability.
• Tommy Lee Jones Movie Collection (DVD): A collection of Tommy Lee Jones’s movies. It includes the 1994 movie Cobb.
• Major League Baseball 2K23: The baseball sim game featuring modern-day baseball players, as well as rosters of some historic players from various teams. Play as Ty Cobb and play through classic baseball moments.

🎧 Soundtrack

Cobb features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Theme from A Summer Place” – performed by Max Steiner

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Unstoppable Ty Cobb

Ever wondered about the real Ty Cobb behind the legend? This video dives deep into his life, challenging some common misconceptions. I found it fascinating to learn about the complexities of his personality, and you might too!

Ty Cobb: Man from Myth

Is Ty Cobb a hero or a villain? This short documentary explores the myths and realities surrounding this controversial baseball legend. It made me question everything I thought I knew about him – give it a watch and see what you think!

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