About I, Tonya (HBO)

"I, Tonya" is a 2017 American biographical sports black comedy-drama film that follows Tonya Harding's life through her youth and her preparation for the 1994 Winter Olympics. The film takes the form of a mockumentary with the characters giving interviews throughout. It covers Harding’s early start in ice skating, her volatile relationships, and her controversial involvement in the assault on Nancy Kerrigan.

Making/Production

"I, Tonya" was directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Steven Rogers. Rogers interviewed Tonya Harding and her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly to develop the script. The film was shot over 31 days in Macon, Georgia.

Actors

• Margot Robbie as Tonya Harding – Margot delivers a spectacular portrayal of Tonya, a hard-edged, tough-as-nails figure skater dealing with inner and outer turmoil
• Sebastian Stan as Jeff Gillooly – Sebastian plays Tonya’s ex-husband, Jeff, who was implicated in the attack on Nancy Kerrigan.
• Allison Janney as LaVona Golden – Allison plays Tonya’s abrasive and demanding mother, offering a powerful performance.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• Although Tonya Harding was aware of the film, she was not involved in the production.
• Margot Robbie trained extensively for the role, but a double was used for the more complicated ice-skating scenes.
• The real Tonya Harding said the movie is accurate but does not feel like her story.

Awards

The film was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Actress (for Robbie), Best Supporting Actress (for Janney), and Best Film Editing. Allison Janney won her first Academy Award for her performance.

Quotes

• “America. They want someone to love, but they want someone to hate.” – Tonya Harding.
• “There’s no such thing as truth. It’s bullshit. Everyone has their own truth; and life just does whatever the fuck it wants.” - Tonya Harding.

Music/Soundtrack

• ‘Fair to Love Me’ by Mark Batson
• 'Gone Daddy Gone 'by Violent Femmes
• 'Romeo And Juliet' by Dire Straits
• 'Barracuda' by Heart