Watch The Fan

The 1996 movie, The Fan, is a psychological thriller directed by Tony Scott, starring Robert De Niro, Wesley Snipes, and Ellen Barkin in lead roles. The film revolves around a sports fan named Gil Renard (De Niro) who obsessively stalks his favorite baseball team's star player, Bobby Rayburn (Snipes). Gil is a struggling knife salesman and a huge fan of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. When Bobby Rayburn joins the Giants on a multi-million dollar contract, Gil's obsession with Bobby reaches a dangerous level. He begins to stalk Bobby, breaking into his house and following him around the city. Gil's disturbed and erratic behavior starts affecting Bobby's performance, and he suffers a series of losses on the field.

Meanwhile, Bobby faces other problems in his personal life as well. His wife Ellen (Barkin) is leaving him, and he's struggling to maintain a healthy relationship with his son. Despite his struggles, Bobby refuses to let his performance on the field falter, and he tries his best to win games and prove his worth to the team and his fans.

As the story progresses, Gil's obsession turns into an uncontrollable rage, and he starts interfering with Bobby's life more and more. He calls into a radio show as a disgruntled fan and threatens to kill Bobby if he doesn't start winning games. The threats quickly escalate, and Bobby finds himself in grave danger.

The movie is a classic example of a psychological thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The intricate plot, along with the stellar performances by the lead actors, makes it a memorable watch. De Niro is brilliant as the deranged fan, and Snipes portrays the role of the troubled athlete with sensitivity and depth. Barkin's portrayal of Bobby's estranged wife adds a layer of complexity to the story.

The movie also showcases the dark side of fandom and the inherent danger of hero-worship. Gil's undying love for Bobby turns into an obsession, and he becomes a threat to Bobby's safety and well-being. The Fan sheds light on the pressures that professional athletes face, both on and off the field.

The cinematography and score of the movie add to its overall intensity. The action-packed sequences and the use of slow-motion shots during the baseball games add to the suspense of the film. The soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer, is a masterpiece in itself and adds an extra layer of drama to the movie.

In conclusion, The Fan is a gripping thriller that explores the complex relationship between a fan and his hero. The performances by the lead actors, along with the intricate plotline, make it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers. The film is a classic example of Tony Scott's directorial brilliance and a testament to the immense talent of the actors involved.

The Fan is a 1996 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 32.