There are a couple ways to approach the Tonya Harding life story. First, you can make this your typical biopic, where the subject of the film is shown as a tragic figure in a big dramatic ensemble. Or, like they’re clearly doing in “I, Tonya,” make it a dark comedy where the complete absurdity of the situation is front and center, led by a magnetic leading actress like Margot Robbie.
Thankfully, director Craig Gillespie went for the latter, and in the newest trailer for the film, you can clearly see the dark comedy at play. From the second you hear the voice, you know that Robbie is fully committed to the role of Tonya Harding, the disgraced Olympic figure skater. This isn’t the Margot Robbie that radiates beauty in every scene. No, this is Robbie as a cigarette-smoking, shrill-voiced, garbage person. But boy does it look incredible!
If you’re not familiar with the story, then you’re probably one of those hip millennials. Because if you were even moderately aware of the 1994 Winter Olympics, you know the story of Tonya Harding. In 1994, Harding’s husband, played by Sebastian Stan in the film, hires a guy to break the leg of her biggest figure skating competitor, Nancy Kerrigan. Court cases, divorce, sex tapes, and a lifetime of disgrace follow Harding throughout the rest of her life. It’s almost too absurd to believe, and that’s what makes the dark comedy take in “I, Tonya” so intriguing.
Rounding out the cast, and joining Robbie and Stan, is none other than Allison Janney as Tonya’s mother. The film is written by Steven Rogers, best known for films like “Kate & Leopold,” “P.S. I Love You,” and “Love the Coopers.” “Lars and the Real Girl” helmer Craig Gillespie is on board directing. This marks his return to dark comedy after a few decidedly not-funny (and not-so-great) films like “The Finest Hours,” “Million Dollar Arm,” and the “Fright Night” remake.
“I, Tonya” premiered earlier at the Toronto International Film Festival, and begins rolling out in theaters on December 8th. Clearly, they’re hoping for some awards recognition.
