Searching for Bobby Fischer
Searching for Bobby Fischer, released in the United Kingdom as Innocent Moves, is a 1993 American drama film written and directed by Steven Zaillian in his directorial debut. Starring Max Pomeranc in his film debut, Joe Mantegna, Joan Allen, Ben Kingsley, and Laurence Fishburne, it is based on the life of prodigy chess player Joshua Waitzkin, played by Pomeranc, and adapted from the book of the same name by Joshua's father, Fred Waitzkin. The film was nominated for Best Cinematography in the 66th Academy Awards.
Plot
Seven-year-old Josh Waitzkin becomes fascinated with the chess players in New York City's Washington Square Park. His mother, Bonnie, is initially uncomfortable with his interest, as the games in the park are rife with illegal gambling and homeless players, but eventually allows Josh to play a game with a disheveled player (who charges $5 to play the game). Although Josh loses, Bonnie is amazed that he understands the rules of chess, despite having never been taught them. Another park player, Vinnie Livermore, alerts Bonnie to Josh's advanced talent in the game.
More details
| author | Steven Zaillian |
|---|---|
| contentLocation | New York City |
| director | Steven Zaillian |
| editor | Wayne Wahrman |
| events | chess |
| genre | drama |
| keywords | adopt advanced bruce pandolfini chess champion chess endgame chess tournament combination endgame gamble game illegal gambling josh waitzkin lose meaningless xeroxes misanthropic misanthropy playing chess queen school teacher shower teach the national wash washington square park win xerox |
| musicBy | James Horner |
| nomination | Academy Award for Best Cinematography |
| producer | William Horberg |
| publisher | Paramount Pictures |
| recordedAt | Toronto |
| theme | biographical biographical drama children's |