3 stars out of 4
“Nick Saban: Gamechanger” is exactly what you would expect when it comes to football. It is a flattering documentary about the most powerful coach in sports. But what you may not expect is how the title “Gamechanger” references his life beyond the field.
From Bobby Bowden, Bill Parcells, Jimmy Sexton, Paul Finebaum, Terry Saban and more, some of the sports world’s most prominent figures highlight Coach Saban’s most noteworthy accomplishments both on and off the field.
The film has no narration. Instead, the interviews, clips and images are edited in such a way that no narrator is needed. For a man like Coach Saban, his life speaks for itself.
The film traces back to Nick Saban’s childhood in West Virginia, where he is simply known as Brother. Much emphasis is placed on how his father and high school coach have had the most influence on who he is as a person.
Because of their influences, we see Brother rise up the ranks of the football profession, taking him from Toledo to Miami. This journey allows us to see how Saban formed his football identity and philosophy, and in turn how he has helped shaped that of others.
Probably the most fascinating part of the film is that it gives the context for Saban’s hire. Everything we have been told is confirmed – for the University of Alabama, it was Nick Saban or bust.
The film follows his first days as the head football coach in Tuscaloosa, then gives a year-by-year account of how the Process (the aforementioned identity/philosophy he has) has taken root, culminating in the magical 2009 football season.
For Saban, the Process is not just a coaching philosophy; it is a way of life. This is made extremely clear with the recruiting calls, practice sessions and numerous other activities this documentary allows us to witness.
Trey Reynolds, the film’s director/producer, admitted at the premiere that he grew up dreaming of playing for Alabama, calling this film his own personal “Rudy” moment. After seeing this film, there is no doubt about that. This film is filled with a positive spin for both Coach Saban and the University.
However—and I never thought I would be the one saying this—this film does go a little overboard with its positive emphasis. Even if fans of either Coach Saban or Alabama are the target audience, the film gets away from its nice narrative about Saban.
At times, the highlights seem like an escapist moment, putting the emphasis on the joy that Alabama football victories bring to the fans and this community. While we fans do take great delight in this, it seemed a little out of place in such a fascinating portrait of Saban and what makes him tick.
That is precisely what draws us to him. The victories are great, but it is the manner in which he conducts himself and this program that make the Crimson Tide the envy of college football.
Some critics argue that documentaries should tell a story that is balanced in its perspective, while others argue that documentaries should tell whatever story they want, regardless of slant. While that issue is debatable, there is no arguing that this film succeeds in its attempt to give us a unique and unprecedented insight into someone who does not reveal much in most of his interviews.
Reynolds has explained why he did not feature any of Saban’s critics, and I will not contest that. However, his hope that the film will appeal to all sports lovers may be a little too much. Even the most open-minded opposing fan would grimace at the moments where fandom takes over from the storytelling.
But this movie does not waver in its intention. Trey Reynolds deserves all the credit in the world for not compromising his vision. And for that, one of the most compelling men in sports gets an equally compelling portrait.
