Game, Set, Match: ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Swings into Theatres at KCET’s Cinema Series Sept. 12
In the wake of the sexual revolution and the rise of the women’s movement, the 1973 tennis match between women’s world champion Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-men’s champ and serial hustler Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell) was billed as the “Battle of the Sexes” and became one of the most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world. As the rivalry between King and Riggs kicked into high gear, off the court each of them was fighting more personal and complex battles. This latest project from the directors of “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Ruby Sparks” includes co-stars Andrea Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, Alan Cumming and Natalie Morales. While the film had its world premiere at the 2017 Telluride Film Festival, “Battle of the Sexes” will be released in theatres by Fox Searchlight on September 22. Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris will join KCET Cinema Series and Must See Movies host Pete Hammond for a Q&A immediately following the screening.
The film’s subject and tennis icon Billie Jean King mused, “I thought it was very wise to choose Val and Jonathan to direct Battle of the Sexes, because this movie is for everyone. It isn’t just for women, and it isn’t just for men. It shows how vulnerable people are, and how life is messy and yet joyful.”
Deadline.com is the official media sponsor for the fall season of the KCET Cinema Series. The season began on August 15 and runs through October 3. Prorated season passes are available on Eventbrite and individual admissions for $25 each are available at the door. The film begins at 7 p.m. at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica (1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403). Nearby street parking is available.