An Analysis of Movie Accuracies in 'I, Tonya'

The movie I, Tonya captures the most poignant moments of American figure skater Tonya Harding's tumultuous life, but how closely does it stick to the real events? In this analysis, we explore the accuracy of key elements of the film, including Tonya's skating career, the domestic abuse she endured, and the mysterious attack on Nancy Kerrigan.

The Accuracy of Tonya's Skating Career

The film I, Tonya offers a compelling portrayal of Tonya Harding's skating career. Not only does it reflect the costumes and choreography of the actual competitions, but it also captures the intensity and drama of her performances. However, the movie narrows its focus to Tonya's skiing, and thus does not delve into the broader context of other skaters' activities during the same period.

One of the key figures, Nancy Kerrigan, is portrayed as a minor character, despite being the primary victim of the central attack in the film. This selective focus may leave viewers with a skewed understanding of the broader figure skating community during this era. Other athletes receive even less screen time, which may contribute to a fragmented narrative of the 1990s skating landscape.

Domestic Abuse and the Truth Behind the Attack

Tonya Harding's testimony regarding the domestic abuse she suffered is taken seriously in the film. She claims that the movie is accurate but presents a scaled-down version of the abuse she endured. Many believe that she experienced a far more severe level of abuse, and her resilience is remarkable considering the challenges she faced.

Decoding “the Incident”

The notorious attack on Nancy Kerrigan is depicted in I, Tonya with a certain degree of ambiguity. Different perspectives are presented, leaving the audience to question the true nature of the attack. While the film offers insights into the motivations behind the incident, it does not provide a definitive answer.

Shawn Eckhardt, Jeff Gillooly's best friend, is believed to be the mastermind behind the attack. Eckhardt allegedly planned the attack to scare top skaters into hiring bodyguards for protection. This motive was not primarily to elevate Tonya's career but to generate financial gains from the attacks, especially at the Olympics.

Uncovering the Bodyguard Angle

The document suggests that Eckhardt incorporated "World Bodyguard Services" in December 1992, almost a year before the attack. This detail aligns with the theory that the motive behind the attack was related to Eckhardt's fledgling bodyguard business. The company's continued existence on the Oregon state registry, even after its dissolution, adds further evidence to this theory.

The fact that "World Bodyguard Services" was active so far in advance of the attack supports the thesis that the incident was a planned event rather than a spontaneous act. Nancy Kerrigan's status as the top skater coincidentally aligned with the timing of the attack, rather than being the primary target.

Conclusion

While I, Tonya successfully conveys the essence of Tonya Harding's life and the 1990s skating scene, it does have gaps and omissions. The film focuses primarily on Tonya's personal journey and skating career, offering a limited view of the broader context. Furthermore, the attack on Nancy Kerrigan is depicted with ambiguity, and the true motives behind the incident remain open to interpretation.

The movie does, however, shed light on the complex dynamics within the figure skating community during that time. Eckhardt's role in planning the attack, particularly through his bodyguard business, adds a deeper layer of intrigue to the narrative. While the film may not be the definitive account of these events, it certainly provides a thought-provoking glimpse into one of the most controversial moments in American figure skating history.