REVIEW: GOALIE, THE SAWCHUK MOVIE

The opening images of Goalie, the movie based on the life of former NHL netminder Terry Sawchuk, sets the scene for the rest of the film. It shows an autopsy being conducted at a morgue on Second Avenue in New York City. In a business like manner, the coroner is meticulously documenting the numerous injuries Sawchuk suffered during his time between the pipes.

And from there on, the filmmakers fill in the blanks of Sawchuk's life from his boyhood in Winnipeg, Manitoba to his tragic ending in New York Hospital on May 31, 1970.

In the darkened theatre, it was painful to watch young Terry deal with the death of his older brother, Mitch (aka Mike), who had a great influence on Sawchuk becoming a goalie. His love-hate relationship with Detroit Red Wings GM, Jack Adams, who had enormous control over his career. Sawchuk looked at Adams as a father figure and it took its toll when he felt his play let Adams down. After a trade to the Boston Bruins in the summer of 1955, Sawchuk appeared in 68 games, but in 1956-57, he left the Bruins after suffering a breakdown. He took to the ice only 34 times before calling it quits. He was subsequently dealt back to Detroit. A trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs resulted in another Cup in 1967. Sawchuk closed out his career with the Kings and Rangers.

I spoke with former Boston forward, Bob Beckett, who roomed with Sawchuk and several other Bruins during the 1956-57 season. It quickly became obvious to Beckett at training camp that Sawchuk was miserable and unhappy and didn't want to stop pucks anymore for Boston.

The trade from Detroit to Boston was a tremendous blow to Sawchuk. Right from the outset of his career, Sawchuk made an impact by capturing the Calder Memorial Trophy as the top NHL rookie in 1951. He backstopped the Red Wings to three Stanley Cups and was a perennial All-Star. In 1971, he became an Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. But like Harry Lumley before him, Detroit had another outstanding goalie in Glenn Hall waiting in the wings.

Unable to cope with being away from his family and not adjusting to the Bruins losing ways, not to mention being in constant physical pain, Sawchuk sought relief in the bottle.

Many have read about Sawchuk's struggles, but it's much more powerful to see his life unfold on the silver screen. The movie holds nothing back and at times is difficult to watch. Director Adriana Maggs gets full marks for showing all of Sawchuk's warts and blemishes. There is no sugar-coating the Sawchuk story. It goes hand-in-hand with Sawchuk the man and hockey player. The later shaping a man left to contend with loneliness and human frailty.

Maggs, along with her sister, Jane, wrote the script and they make sure we see the impact Sawchuk's injuries had on his career. In one scene, he is shown in the trainers room and the doctor clearly indicates Sawchuk should call it a game. But when Jack Adams imposes his will, Sawchuk agrees to return to duty. This was a common occurrence during the Original Six era with endless players telling the same story.

In the lead role, Mark O'Brien gives a chilling performance in his portrayal of Sawchuk. He left nothing on the ice. The first thing that strikes you is his similar appearance to his subject. He looks and moves like Sawchuk. This is especially noticeable in the action scenes when O'Brien roams around the crease with no mask on to block the rubber directed at him. He has the unmistakable Sawchuk crouch down pat. One can only imagine the amount of time O'Brien spent viewing footage of Sawchuk plying his trade.  

Perhaps, the best complement of O'Brien's work is the fact he was able to dig deep and show Sawchuk's mental anguish. His performance was focused and deliberate. Through O'Brien's acting, the depth of Sawchuk's depression and hardships hits hard like a blistering Bobby Hull slapshot to the face.

A special mention to Georgina Reilly (Pat Sawchuk/Terry's wife) and Kevin Pollak (Jack Adams). Reilly's performance provides insight into the family dynamic and the pain they felt as a result of Sawchuk's up and down moods. Pollak, as boss of the Red Wings displays just how much power he had over the club.

On the production side, the Makeup Department nailed every welt, bruise and cut. Also, kudos to hockey historian Paul Patskou, who served as a consultant on the film.

With the passage of time, Sawchuk's historical significance and ranking within the game hasn't diminished. In a Collector's Edition (September 2018) of The Hockey News titled, Top 100 Goalies of All-Time, Sawchuk is ranked number one.

And as I departed the dark theatre and entered the bright sunshine, one thought crossed my mind. Terry Sawchuk was indeed the greatest goalie of all-time.

Rating: 5-out-5 hockey pucks.