The movie Greater, while emotionally powerful and inspiring, takes significant liberties with the true story of Brandon Burlsworth, portraying a narrative that, while capturing the essence of his dedication and faith, doesn’t always adhere to factual accuracy. The film prioritizes a compelling, dramatic arc over strict adherence to chronological events and the nuanced realities of Burlsworth’s life and career.
The Reality Behind the Reel: Unpacking Greater
Greater tells the poignant story of Brandon Burlsworth, an undersized and unrecruited Arkansas walk-on who defies expectations through unwavering determination and devout faith to become an All-American offensive lineman. The film is undeniably moving, showcasing Burlsworth’s incredible work ethic and character. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the film is a dramatization, and as such, it adjusts and simplifies certain aspects of Burlsworth’s life for narrative effect. This inevitably leads to inaccuracies and omissions that should be considered when evaluating the movie’s fidelity to reality. While the spirit of Brandon Burlsworth is present, discerning the fact from the fiction requires a deeper look into the specifics of his journey.
Examining Key Areas of Discrepancy
The film alters certain events for dramatic effect. While the core story of Brandon’s transformation from an unrecruited walk-on to a star player holds true, specific interactions, timelines, and character portrayals are often embellished or compressed.
Timeline Compression and Event Reordering
The film condenses the timeline of Brandon’s college career. Events that occurred over several seasons are sometimes portrayed as happening in closer succession to heighten the dramatic tension. This is a common cinematic technique, but it does impact the historical accuracy. For example, while the movie implies rapid ascendance, in reality, Burlsworth’s rise was a more gradual progression over his years at Arkansas.
Character Portrayals and Relationships
While the film accurately depicts Brandon’s close relationship with his mother, some other characters and relationships are altered or simplified. Fictionalized interactions and dialogue are incorporated to drive the plot forward. Furthermore, the portrayal of some coaches and teammates, while likely based on real individuals, is presented through a dramatic lens that may not fully reflect their real-life personalities and roles.
Football-Related Accuracy
While the film makes an effort to portray football authentically, some of the on-field action and training sequences are dramatized. Specific plays and game situations are sometimes depicted inaccurately for entertainment value. The film also simplifies the complexities of college football recruitment and the intense competition within a major college program.
The Film’s Strengths: Capturing the Spirit of Brandon
Despite the inaccuracies, Greater succeeds in capturing the essence of Brandon Burlsworth’s character: his unwavering faith, relentless work ethic, and genuine kindness. The film effectively conveys the impact he had on those around him and the enduring legacy he left behind.
Emphasizing Burlsworth’s Dedication
The film rightfully emphasizes Burlsworth’s extraordinary dedication. His commitment to physical training, academics, and his faith are central to the story and are portrayed with accuracy. This dedication is the heart of Burlsworth’s story and a core element that the movie captures well.
Highlighting the Power of Faith
Burlsworth’s strong Christian faith was a defining aspect of his life, and the film portrays this accurately. The movie showcases how his faith influenced his actions, guided his decisions, and provided him with strength during challenging times.
Conveying Burlsworth’s Impact
The film successfully illustrates the positive impact Burlsworth had on his teammates, coaches, and the wider community. It highlights his humility, his willingness to help others, and his genuine care for those around him. This legacy of kindness and service is a significant part of Burlsworth’s story, and the film effectively communicates it.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Facts
Here are some frequently asked questions about the accuracy of the movie Greater compared to the real life of Brandon Burlsworth:
FAQ 1: Was Brandon Burlsworth really an unrecruited walk-on?
Yes, this is accurate. Brandon Burlsworth was not heavily recruited by major college football programs. He walked on to the Arkansas Razorbacks team without a scholarship.
FAQ 2: Did Burlsworth really lose a significant amount of weight to join the team?
Yes, this is also accurate. Burlsworth lost a considerable amount of weight and transformed his physique to meet the demands of college football. The film accurately portrays his rigorous training and dietary changes.
FAQ 3: How long did it take Burlsworth to earn a scholarship?
The movie shortens the timeline, but in reality, it took Burlsworth two years of hard work and dedication before he earned a scholarship to play for the Razorbacks.
FAQ 4: Did Burlsworth really live as frugally as the movie portrays?
Yes, Burlsworth was known for his frugal lifestyle, despite eventually having a scholarship. He continued to live modestly and prioritize saving money, reflecting his humble nature.
FAQ 5: Was Burlsworth as academically gifted as shown in the film?
Yes, Burlsworth was an exceptional student. He excelled academically and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees while playing football, showcasing his dedication both on and off the field. He was a standout student-athlete.
FAQ 6: How accurate is the portrayal of Burlsworth’s relationship with his mother?
The film accurately depicts the strong and loving relationship between Brandon and his mother. She was a constant source of support and encouragement throughout his life.
FAQ 7: Did Burlsworth really wear those thick glasses on the field?
The film correctly shows Burlsworth wearing special sports goggles during practices due to his poor eyesight.
FAQ 8: Was Burlsworth projected to be a high NFL draft pick?
Yes, Burlsworth was projected to be a high NFL draft pick. His talent and work ethic had caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was expected to have a successful professional career.
FAQ 9: What was the actual cause of Burlsworth’s death?
Burlsworth tragically died in a car accident just days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. The film accurately portrays this devastating event.
FAQ 10: Does the movie accurately depict the outpouring of grief following Burlsworth’s death?
Yes, the film effectively conveys the profound grief and sense of loss experienced by the Arkansas community and the wider football world following Burlsworth’s untimely death.
FAQ 11: Is the “Burlsworth Trophy” mentioned in the film a real award?
Yes, the Burlsworth Trophy is a real award given annually to the most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on. It’s a lasting tribute to Brandon’s legacy.
FAQ 12: Should I watch Greater knowing it’s not entirely accurate?
Absolutely. While Greater takes creative liberties, it serves as an inspirational tribute to Brandon Burlsworth’s life and embodies the spirit of his determination, faith, and character. Viewing it with an awareness of the dramatic license employed allows you to appreciate the core message of his story while understanding the nuances of his actual life.
Conclusion: Appreciating the Story and the Spirit
Greater is a powerful and uplifting film that celebrates the life of Brandon Burlsworth. While the movie isn’t a completely factual documentary, it effectively captures the essence of his story: his unwavering dedication, strong faith, and the lasting impact he had on those around him. Understanding the areas of artistic license allows viewers to appreciate the film’s inspirational message while also seeking a deeper understanding of the real Brandon Burlsworth. The film’s true strength lies in its ability to inspire viewers to pursue their dreams with relentless determination and unwavering faith, values that defined Brandon Burlsworth’s remarkable life.