Winning (Widescreen)

Newman paired with Woodward, and Richard Thomas pre-John Boy! A tight script about marital infidelity coupled with fine directing and acting, mix in some grand cinematography at the old brickyard (shot during the actual race in 1968), and a fine Dave Grusin soundtrack, and the product is a real winner!

Where infidelity is concerned, we are often quick to blame one partner or the other. But if we are honest, we must ultimately see that both partners can be at fault. Winning shows that so often one partner can be responsible and the other to blame.

A thought-provoking movie, despite a glaring technical flaw - Newman carrying the Borg Warner trophy around like a bowling trophy (any racing fan would know the Borg Warner trophy weighs nearly 100 pounds; the winner actually gets a replica that stands about 14 inches tall and weighs about five pounds) - director James Goldstone gets the most not only from his actors, but also from the backdrop of the movie: the 1968 Indy 500. The excitement and pageantry of the "greatest spectacle in racing" are expertly captured. These finely tuned machines from the "golden era" of racing are shown gracefully circling the track, like a skater delicately balanced on a single skate blade. Even the wrecks, shown in agonizing slow motion, have a certain beauty about them, while one of Newman's pit stops manages to stylistically contrast sitting still while his car is being serviced with the exhilaration of being on the track and at speed.

For fans of Newman and Woodward and racing buffs alike, Winning is a winner. And at $9.98, it's a steal, too!