IMDb RATING
6.2/10
9.4K
YOUR RATING
During a pro basketball lockout, a sports agent pitches a rookie basketball client on an intriguing and controversial business proposition.During a pro basketball lockout, a sports agent pitches a rookie basketball client on an intriguing and controversial business proposition.During a pro basketball lockout, a sports agent pitches a rookie basketball client on an intriguing and controversial business proposition.
- Awards
- 7 nominations
Bobbi A Bordley
- Freddy
- (as Bobbi Bordley)
Van Lathan Jr.
- Van Lathan
- (as Van Lathan)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the second film Steven Soderbergh shot on an iPhone, following Unsane (2018).
- GoofsWhen Ray and Myra are talking in Myra her office, the Iphone and its tripod used for shooting are visible in the window reflection.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Fish That Saved Pittsburgh (1979)
- SoundtracksHigh Flyin' Bird
Written by Billy Edd Wheeler
Performed by Richie Havens
Courtesy of Polydor Records
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises
Featured review
Soderberg's latest experimentation with the iPhone focuses on a struggling idealistic player agent during an NBA "lockout". You may wonder how so small a camera manages to capture or at least replicate the drama of fast-paced sporting action, particularly the pinnacle grandstand moment of that ole rags to riches sports tale. Without spoiling anything, let me tell you it doesn't. Or more to the point, High Flying Bird is less concerned with the sport of basketball itself than it is with "The game on top of the game".
Instead of an arena, the game is played out in offices and instead of action, there is dialogue. Considering the constrained budget and production schedule, it is a testament to the cast and to the screenplay that the film holds together at all. And yet it does. The performances are naturalistic while the story moves along at pace, generally eschewing exposition.
In keeping its focus narrow, centring on a small cast of characters, Tyrell Alvin McCraney's screenplay cuts to the core of issues of race and power in the NBA without a whisper of melodrama. In fact, considering the wider story it is telling High Flying Bird remains upbeat and inherently promotes a message of positivity.
High Flying Bird will not be for everyone, it could be accused of being a little dry. However it is an intriguing experiment in film-making which finds a new way to tell a story which needs telling.
Instead of an arena, the game is played out in offices and instead of action, there is dialogue. Considering the constrained budget and production schedule, it is a testament to the cast and to the screenplay that the film holds together at all. And yet it does. The performances are naturalistic while the story moves along at pace, generally eschewing exposition.
In keeping its focus narrow, centring on a small cast of characters, Tyrell Alvin McCraney's screenplay cuts to the core of issues of race and power in the NBA without a whisper of melodrama. In fact, considering the wider story it is telling High Flying Bird remains upbeat and inherently promotes a message of positivity.
High Flying Bird will not be for everyone, it could be accused of being a little dry. However it is an intriguing experiment in film-making which finds a new way to tell a story which needs telling.
- screenotes
- Feb 8, 2019
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- Siêu Sao Bóng Rổ
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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