White Men Can't Jump (HBO)

About White Men Can't Jump (HBO)

'White Men Can't Jump' is an American sports comedy-drama film released in 1992. Directed by Ron Shelton, the movie is a delightful blend of humor with interracial sparks among basketball players. The story centers around two basketball hustlers named Billy Hoyle (Woody Harrelson) and Sidney Deane (Wesley Snipes) who despite their initial rivalry, team up to hustle other Los Angeles street players.

Making / Production

The film was directed by Ron Shelton who was also the screenwriter. It was produced by David V. Lester and Snipes, along with Shelton among others. The movie was shot in several street basketball courts in Los Angeles, bringing an authentic streetball feel to the screen.

Actors

• Woody Harrelson as Billy Hoyle - A former college athlete and cunning streetball hustler.
• Wesley Snipes as Sidney Deane - A self-styled streetball King, initially Billy's rival, then becomes his partner in hustle.
• Rosie Perez as Gloria Clemente - Billy's girlfriend, an aspiring jeopardy! contestant with a burning love for trivia.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is widely credited for bringing streetball culture to a wider audience.
• Director Ron Shelton was himself a minor league baseball player before getting into film-making.
• Many of the actor's clothes in the movie were their own, not pieces from wardrobe, adding to the authentic look of the film.
• Woody Harrelson's basketball skills were not faked – he is actually a very competent player in real life.

Awards

Rosie Perez was nominated for the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance for her role as Gloria Clemente in the film.

Quotes

• "It’s hard work making you look so bad." - Billy
• "I don't mean to brag... but I'm the greatest!" - Sidney
• "Sometimes when you win, you really lose, and sometimes when you lose, you really win, and sometimes when you win or lose, you actually tie, and sometimes when you tie, you actually win or lose." - Gloria

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack features songs by popular artists of the time, including Riff, Queen Latifah, and Main Source.
• The theme song, "White Men Can't Jump", was performed by Riff.