White Wall Cinema: JERRY MAGUIRE

At a time when independent filmmaking reigned supreme and dominated the awards season, Jerry Maguire was the rare major studio production to break through with indie-minded voters and emerge a major winner. A modern classic, Cameron Crowe’s film is so much more than just another ’90s rom-com. It strikes the perfect balance between cynicism and sweetness, making it the finest film in the genre since When Harry Met Sally, while reaching for something deeper: a story about the fear of truly living, the courage to follow your convictions, and the struggle to define yourself in an indifferent world.

Jerry Maguire is the role Tom Cruise was born to play. Wisely drawing on the actor’s earnest, vulnerable side, Crowe subverts the cocky confidence and brooding intensity that had defined so many of Cruise’s earlier performances. Here is a man who is no longer entirely sure of himself, his success, or what success even means. A high-powered sports agent in the midst of a crisis of conscience, Maguire suddenly finds himself stripped of his status as a kingpin of the industry, left clinging by “a very thin thread” to the one client willing to stick with him: egocentric, no-hoper quarterback Rod Tidwell, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in an electrifying, Oscar-winning performance.

The only employee prepared to follow Jerry into the unknown is Dorothy Boyd, brought to life by Renée Zellweger in her career-breakthrough role. A single mother balancing the demands of raising her young son with her own hopes and ambitions, Dorothy is drawn to Jerry’s moment of moral clarity, even as she risks everything by believing in him.

• DOORS: 7.10pm*
• START TIME: 7.40pm*
• RUN TIME: 138 mins
• CERT: 15 (Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult)

*Please note – doors open at 7.10pm, Please try to allow extra time to get seated prior to the performance start time of 7.40pm. There will usually be no admittance from 20 minutes after the films stated start time. No hot food or alcohol from outside the premises is allowed. All alcoholic drinks consumed on the premises must be purchased from the bar as per the conditions of the venue’s licence