Battle of the Sexes 2017
Directed by
Jonathan Dayton
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Battle of the Sexes (2017). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
The story unfolds in 1973, where Billie Jean King, portrayed by Emma Stone, has just achieved the remarkable title of the number one player in tennis. As this monumental moment plays out, Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) watches from home, seeing Billie Jean receive a surprising phone call from none other than Richard Nixon. Amidst a dance with her husband Larry (Austin Stowell), Gladys Heldman (Sarah Silverman) barges in, furious over a letter from Jack Kramer (Bill Pullman). Billie Jean and Gladys confront Jack about the exclusion of female players from the Pacific Southwest Open, which they believe diminishes the sport’s appeal. Determined to fight back, Billie Jean and Gladys resolve to create their very own tournament dedicated solely to female athletes.
Meanwhile, Bobby Riggs is at dinner with his wife Priscilla (Elisabeth Shue) and son Bobby Jr. (Cooper J. Friedman), where Junior’s $1 bet ignites friction given Priscilla’s disapproval of gambling, clearly one of Bobby’s major faults. Billie Jean and her squad, including Rosie Casals (Natalie Morales), Peaches Bartkowicz (Martha MacIsaac), and many others, find themselves caught in a photo shoot celebrating their $1 contracts for Gladys’s tour when Jack interrupts with a dire ultimatum: if Billie Jean proceeds with her own tournament, the ladies will be expelled from the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association. Accepting this challenge, Billie Jean informs her teammates of their banishment.
As Bobby revels in gambling, he wins a Rolls Royce, though this victory prompts a major confrontation with Priscilla, who disapproves of his habits to the extent that she kicks him out. In the midst of it all, Gladys’s players begin a new tour, enjoying a fashionable outing when Billie Jean meets her hairdresser, Marilyn Barnett (Andrea Riseborough), sparking a romantic connection, evidenced by Billie Jean’s desire for a short haircut.
Bobby attends a gamblers’ support group, seizing control of the conversation and convincing others of their poor gambling skills while he continues down a path of betting chaos. In San Diego, Billie Jean and Marilyn share an intimate night together after a vibrant escapade at a nightclub. Shortly after, Bobby challenges Billie Jean to a high-stakes match for $100,000, branding it as a showdown between “the male chauvinist pig vs. the hairy-legged feminist.” Billie Jean quickly declines the offer, but Bobby soon targets another player, Margaret Court (Jessica McNamee), who recognizes the implications of this match for Billie Jean.
As the characters’ intertwined lives deepen, Larry’s suspicions grow upon meeting Marilyn, and Billie Jean faces a fierce match against Margaret, leading her to an unexpected defeat fueled by personal turmoil. After witnessing Bobby’s shocking win over Margaret, dubbed the Mother’s Day Massacre, Billie Jean is galvanized to take on Bobby in a quest to silence his provocations.
The lead-up to the iconic match sees Bobby immerse himself in media promotions, portraying a brash persona, while Billie Jean navigates the intense pressures of victory and her own illness prior to the event. On the fateful day, Bobby dresses flamboyantly, while Billie Jean emerges resolute, surrounded by friends and loved ones. The match itself is a rollercoaster; Billie Jean rallies from an early disadvantage, ultimately triumphing as she claims victory over Bobby.
With tears of joy flowing backstage, Billie Jean embraces her friends, and Ted (Alan Cumming) offers heartfelt words of encouragement. The narrative concludes with reflections on their futures: Billie Jean finds her true love, Ilana Kloss, after a divorce, while Bobby and Priscilla remain together, and Billie Jean becomes a champion for LGBTQ rights. The film closes with touching photographs of the real-life Billie Jean and Bobby, celebrating the legacy of their legendary match.
Timeline
Track the key events of Battle of the Sexes (2017) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Billie Jean King Becomes Number One
In **1973**, Billie Jean King, played by Emma Stone, achieves the prestigious title of the number one player in tennis. This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment not only in her career but also in the fight for gender equality in sports.
Phone Call from Richard Nixon
As Billie celebrates her success, she receives a surprising phone call from President Richard Nixon. This unexpected interaction highlights her rising prominence not just as an athlete, but as a public figure.
Confrontation Over Exclusion
Gladys Heldman bursts into a dance attended by Billie Jean and her husband, Larry, with anger about a letter from Jack Kramer. The two women confront Kramer about the exclusion of female players from the Pacific Southwest Open, inciting their determination to claim a space for women in tennis.
Creation of Women's Tournament
In response to the discriminatory practices in tennis, Billie Jean and Gladys decide to create their own tournament solely for female athletes. This bold move reflects their commitment to fostering equal opportunities in sports.
Bobby Riggs' Gambling Habits
Meanwhile, Bobby Riggs enjoys a family dinner that takes a tense turn due to his gambling issues. His son Bobby Jr.'s $1 bet escalates an argument with his wife Priscilla, revealing the ongoing friction in their marriage about his gambling addiction.
Jack Kramer's Ultimatum
While Billie Jean and her team celebrate their new contracts for the female tour, Jack Kramer delivers a grave ultimatum. He threatens to expel Billie Jean and her fellow players from the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association if they proceed with their tournament.
Bobby Wins a Rolls Royce
Bobby Riggs hits the jackpot, winning a luxurious Rolls Royce, which further complicates his home life. The victory leads to another confrontation with Priscilla, who has reached her breaking point with his gambling behavior and ultimately kicks him out.
Billie Jean's Romantic Connection
During her tour, Billie Jean meets her hairdresser, Marilyn Barnett, which sparks a romantic connection between them. This relationship blossoms amid the pressures of her professional life, highlighting Billie Jean's personal struggles with love and identity.
Bobby Challenges Billie Jean
Bobby Riggs throws down the gauntlet, proposing a high-stakes match against Billie Jean for $100,000. He sensationalizes the event as a battle of the sexes, further polarizing public opinion and drawing attention to women's sports.
Billie Jean Faces Margaret Court
Before the planned match with Bobby, Billie Jean competes against Margaret Court but faces an unexpected defeat driven by her personal turmoil. This loss only serves to ignite her determination to rise and confront Bobby.
The Mother's Day Massacre
Bobby's shocking victory over Margaret Court in what is dubbed the Mother's Day Massacre galvanizes Billie Jean into action. Inspired by the public's reaction and the implications of this match, she resolves to face Bobby.
Preparation for the Iconic Match
As the date for the match approaches, Bobby immerses himself in media promotion, showcasing a flamboyant and brash persona. Meanwhile, Billie Jean grapples with the pressures of anticipation and faces her own health challenges ahead of the event.
The Match Day
On the day of the match, Bobby dresses extravagantly, while Billie Jean appears resolute and determined. The match unfolds as a dramatic rollercoaster, with Billie Jean recovering from an early disadvantage to ultimately emerge victorious.
Celebration and Reflection
After claiming victory over Bobby, Billie Jean shares a heartfelt moment with her friends backstage filled with tears of joy. This pivotal triumph not only marks a significant achievement in sports but also lays groundwork for her future advocacy.
Legacy and Advocacy
The narrative concludes with Billie Jean carving out her future with true love and activism for LGBTQ rights following her divorce. The film ends with nostalgic photographs of the legendary match, celebrating the enduring impact it has had on sports and society.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Battle of the Sexes (2017) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King is a fiercely determined and trailblazing tennis player who becomes the face of the fight for gender equality in sports. Her courage and leadership drive the narrative, as she not only battles her male counterparts but also faces personal challenges and societal expectations. She emerges as a symbol of empowerment for women and the LGBTQ community.
Bobby Riggs
Bobby Riggs is a charismatic former tennis champion who embodies the traditional male view of superiority in sports. His flashy personality and gambling habits make him a compelling antagonist to Billie Jean. Riggs' bravado and provocations set the stage for the historic match, as he tries to maintain his status in a changing world.
Gladys Heldman
Gladys Heldman is a passionate advocate for women's tennis who supports Billie Jean in her quest for equality. As the driving force behind the women's tournament, her determination to uplift female athletes exemplifies her commitment to changing the landscape of sports. Gladys's friendship and loyalty to Billie Jean add depth to the narrative.
Marilyn Barnett
Marilyn Barnett is Billie Jean King's hairdresser and romantic interest, representing a more personal aspect of Billie Jean's journey. Their relationship reveals Billie Jean's struggles with her identity and desires, contributing to her character development and the overall theme of love in the midst of societal challenges.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Battle of the Sexes (2017), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1973
The story unfolds in 1973, a pivotal time in American history during the rise of the feminist movement. This era saw increasing advocacy for women's rights in various fields, including sports, setting the stage for Billie Jean King's groundbreaking achievements and challenges in tennis.
Location
San Diego, United States
The movie takes place primarily in San Diego, a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture. It serves as a backdrop for significant events in the lives of both Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, adding a lively and competitive atmosphere to the unfolding drama of the tennis world.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Battle of the Sexes (2017). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Gender Equality
The central theme of the film is gender equality, highlighted through Billie Jean King's fight against discrimination in sports. The movie showcases her determination to create equal opportunities for female athletes, challenging the norms of a male-dominated sports world and inspiring future generations.
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Personal Struggles
Another critical theme is the personal struggles faced by the characters, particularly Billie Jean as she navigates her identity and relationships. The film delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and self-acceptance as Billie Jean confronts societal expectations and her own desires.
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Victory
The theme of victory is not just about winning matches but also about personal triumphs over adversity. Billie Jean's ultimate success on the court symbolizes broader societal progress, making her victory a powerful statement for women's rights and paving the way for future advancements.
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