Movie Synopsis
Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) challenges the system and defies conventional wisdom when his is forced to rebuild his small-market team on a limited budget. Despite opposition from the old guard, the media, fans and their own field manager (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Beane - with the help of a young, number-crunching, Yale-educated economist (Jonah Hill) - develops a roster of misfits and, along the way, forever changes the way the game is played.
Discussion questions
- What does Beckham symbolize for Jess?
- In what way is Mr. Bhamra wrong not to support his daughter’s hopes? Why is Joe in a better position to evaluate Jess’s chances for success?
- Do you think Coach Joe is an example of a Double-Goal Coach®? Why or why not?
- Joe tells Jess, “If you try pleasing [your parents] forever, you’re going to end up blaming them.” In what sense would Jess blame her parents? How does Mr. Bhamra unconsciously acknowledge Joe’s prediction?
- In what ways does Jess show her personal motivation and passion for playing football?
