'Seductively Enjoyable': Emma Stone's battle in Battle of the Sexes

Emma Stone serves up an "instantly sympathetic" portrayal of women's tennis champion Billie Jean King in the 2017 film 'Battle of the Sexes', as reported by The Guardian. The film recreates the 1973 tennis clash between women's number 1 Billie Jean King, played by Stone, and fiftysomething ex-champ Bobby Riggs, brought to life by Steve Carell.

A Battle for More than Just Tennis

The much-publicized match wasn't merely a tennis game; it was a fight to prove that men are not just better at tennis, but better, period. Stone's King is depicted as enraged by the glaring pay disparity between male and female players on the grand slam circuit, despite drawing equal crowds. This led her to form the breakaway Women's Tennis Association, which surprisingly gained public support and endorsement as the women emerged as rebels and pioneers.

Emma Stone - The Heart of the Game

Stone's performance is key to the film's charm. "She is instantly sympathetic and humanly vulnerable," praises The Guardian. Stone brings a wide-eyed openness and vigour to her role, embodying King's sensual vulnerability as she discovers her attraction to a woman while being married.

Steve Carell - The Comedy Powerhouse

Meanwhile, Carell is fittingly cast as Riggs, "the humourless, belligerent guy thinking that he is the life and soul of the party, dressing up in silly costumes." The contrast between the two leads - Carell's humor against Stone's earnestness - provides the film's dramatic tension.

A Lasting Impact

Though the film is a period piece, its themes resonate today as it confronts ongoing issues like gender equality and pay disparity in sports. Stone's portrayal of King highlights the importance of meaningful equality, a cause the tennis legend fought for on and off the court.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)