Book Vs. Movie: Searching for Bobby Fischer

The true story of a chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin, his father’s New York Times article, and the 1993 film


The Margos gently enter into the world of chess (a game neither of us knows very well so, please be patient!) with Searching for Bobby Fischer. Josh Waitzkin was considered a chess prodigy when he played in tournaments around thew country as a young child. In 1985 his father, Fred Waitzkin, wrote an article for The New York Times “Fathering a Chess Prodigy” about the struggle to raise a son who is gifted in a sport/game.

Fred wants his son to achieve his dreams, but he is fearful Josh won’t be a normal kid (Josh eventually became an International Chess Master at 16.) The book Searching for Bobby Fischer came out in 1988 and the 1993 film was directed by Steven Zaillian and earned praise for its cinematography and performances.

Bobby Fischer led a very complicated (and frankly, sad) childhood as a chess champion which later turned him into a hermit. Did the chess bring on his mental illness, or was that always going to happen? Why is he an ardent antisemite and an enemy of his country? Why did he disappear for so long?

Between the 1985 article and the film--which did we like better? You have to listen to find out!!

In this ep the Margos discuss:
The controversial Bobby Fischer (1943-2008)
Josh Waitzkin & his father’s Fred’s writing career
What it means to raise a child prodigy
The cast: Joe Mantegna (Fred Waitzkin,) Max Pomeranc (Josh Waitkin,) Joan Allen (Bonnie Waitzkin,) Laurence Fishburne (Vinnie,) Ben Kingsley (Bruce Pandolfini,) David Paymer (Kalev,) William H. Macy (Tunafish father,) Dan Hedaya (tournament director,) and Laura Linney as Josh’s teacher.)

Clips used:
Max learns about the word “contempt.”
Josh Waitzkin selling his book The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance (video)
Bobby Fischer on Dick Cavett's show August 5, 1971
Searching for Bobby Fischer original trailer 1993
Josh and his dad have a chat
Josh’s teacher thinks chess is like penocle
Music by James Horner

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Margo D. @BrooklynFitChik www.brooklynfitchick.com brooklynfitchick@gmail.com
Margo P. @ShesNachoMama https://coloniabook.weebly.com/

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