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Battle of the Sexes (2017) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Battle of the Sexes (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2017 · 121 min · English
Echo score 77
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Directed by
Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Starring
Emma Stone, Fred Armisen, Sarah Silverman, Andrea Riseborough, Bill Pullman, Natalie Morales
Budget
$25M

In 1973, a highly publicized tennis match between Billie Jean King and former champion Bobby Riggs captivated the nation. The contest became more than just a game, as King and Riggs faced personal challenges while confronting societal expectations. King grappled with her sexuality, while Riggs sought to recapture his former glory. The match sparked a cultural phenomenon, prompting conversations about gender equality and leaving a lasting impact far beyond the tennis court.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Battle of the Sexes
  8. 8 Every angle
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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Battle of the Sexes Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Battle of the Sexes (2017), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Billie Jean King

    played by Emma Stone

    Billie Jean King is a fiercely determined and trailblazing tennis player who becomes the face of the fight for gender equality in sports. Her courage and leadership drive the narrative, as she not only battles her male counterparts but also faces personal challenges and societal expectations. She emerges as a symbol of empowerment for women and the LGBTQ community.

    • 🏅 Athlete
    • 🌈 Activist
  • Bobby Riggs

    played by Steve Carell

    Bobby Riggs is a charismatic former tennis champion who embodies the traditional male view of superiority in sports. His flashy personality and gambling habits make him a compelling antagonist to Billie Jean. Riggs' bravado and provocations set the stage for the historic match, as he tries to maintain his status in a changing world.

    • 🔥 Gambler
    • 👨‍🏫 Challenger
  • Gladys Heldman

    played by Sarah Silverman

    Gladys Heldman is a passionate advocate for women's tennis who supports Billie Jean in her quest for equality. As the driving force behind the women's tournament, her determination to uplift female athletes exemplifies her commitment to changing the landscape of sports. Gladys's friendship and loyalty to Billie Jean add depth to the narrative.

    • 👩‍🏫 Advocate
    • 💪 Supporter
  • Marilyn Barnett

    played by Andrea Riseborough

    Marilyn Barnett is Billie Jean King's hairdresser and romantic interest, representing a more personal aspect of Billie Jean's journey. Their relationship reveals Billie Jean's struggles with her identity and desires, contributing to her character development and the overall theme of love in the midst of societal challenges.

    • 💇‍♀️ Romantic Interest
    • 🌹 Supportive Partner

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

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Setting

Where and When Does Battle of the Sexes Take Place?

The setting of Battle of the Sexes (2017): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1973

The story unfolds in 1973, a pivotal time in American history during the rise of the feminist movement. This era saw increasing advocacy for women's rights in various fields, including sports, setting the stage for Billie Jean King's groundbreaking achievements and challenges in tennis.

Location

San Diego, United States

The movie takes place primarily in San Diego, a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture. It serves as a backdrop for significant events in the lives of both Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, adding a lively and competitive atmosphere to the unfolding drama of the tennis world.

  • 🏙️ City
  • ✨ Sports

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

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3 major themes

Battle of the Sexes Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Battle of the Sexes (2017) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Gender Equality

    The central theme of the film is gender equality, highlighted through Billie Jean King's fight against discrimination in sports. The movie showcases her determination to create equal opportunities for female athletes, challenging the norms of a male-dominated sports world and inspiring future generations.

  • Personal Struggles

    Another critical theme is the personal struggles faced by the characters, particularly Billie Jean as she navigates her identity and relationships. The film delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and self-acceptance as Billie Jean confronts societal expectations and her own desires.

  • Victory

    The theme of victory is not just about winning matches but also about personal triumphs over adversity. Billie Jean's ultimate success on the court symbolizes broader societal progress, making her victory a powerful statement for women's rights and paving the way for future advancements.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:29

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Character & theme questions

Battle of the Sexes Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Battle of the Sexes (2017): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The film takes place primarily in San Diego, a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture. San Diego serves as the backdrop for significant events in the lives of both Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs, adding a lively and competitive atmosphere to the tennis world.

  • san diego
  • locations
  • setting
  • tennis venues
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story unfolds in 1973, a pivotal time in American history during the rise of the feminist movement. This era saw increasing advocacy for women's rights in various fields, including sports, setting the stage for Billie Jean King's groundbreaking achievements and challenges in tennis.

  • 1973
  • time period
  • era
  • 1970s
  • feminist movement
Q3

What is the main theme of the movie?

The central theme of the film is gender equality, highlighted through Billie Jean King's fight against discrimination in sports. The movie showcases her determination to create equal opportunities for female athletes, challenging the norms of a male-dominated sports world and inspiring future generations.

  • gender equality
  • feminism
  • themes
  • women's rights
  • sports discrimination
Q4

Who is Billie Jean King?

Billie Jean King is a fiercely determined and trailblazing tennis player who becomes the face of the fight for gender equality in sports. Her courage and leadership drive the narrative, as she not only battles her male counterparts but also faces personal challenges and societal expectations. She emerges as a symbol of empowerment for women and the LGBTQ community.

  • billie jean king
  • tennis player
  • protagonist
  • gender equality activist
Q5

Who is Bobby Riggs?

Bobby Riggs is a charismatic former tennis champion who embodies the traditional male view of superiority in sports. His flashy personality and gambling habits make him a compelling antagonist to Billie Jean. Riggs' bravado and provocations set the stage for the historic match, as he tries to maintain his status in a changing world.

  • bobby riggs
  • former champion
  • antagonist
  • tennis legend
Q6

What personal struggles does Billie Jean King face?

Billie Jean grapples with her identity and relationships as she navigates her sexuality while confronting societal expectations. The film delves into the complexities of love, loyalty, and self-acceptance, revealing her struggles with desires that challenge the norms of the time.

  • sexuality
  • personal struggles
  • identity
  • lgbtq
  • relationships
Q7

Who is Gladys Heldman and what is her role?

Gladys Heldman is a passionate advocate for women's tennis who supports Billie Jean King in her quest for equality. As the driving force behind the women's tournament, her determination to uplift female athletes exemplifies her commitment to changing the landscape of sports. Gladys's friendship and loyalty to Billie Jean add depth to the narrative.

  • gladys heldman
  • women's tennis
  • tournament organizer
  • supporter
Q8

Who is Marilyn Barnett?

Marilyn Barnett is Billie Jean King's hairdresser and romantic interest, representing a more personal aspect of Billie Jean's journey. Their relationship reveals Billie Jean's struggles with her identity and desires, contributing to her character development and the overall theme of love in the midst of societal challenges.

  • marilyn barnett
  • romantic interest
  • relationship
  • personal life
Q9

Why is the tennis match significant beyond sports?

The match became more than just a game, sparking a cultural phenomenon and prompting conversations about gender equality. It left a lasting impact far beyond the tennis court, symbolizing broader societal progress and becoming a pivotal moment in the feminist movement of the 1970s.

  • tennis match
  • cultural impact
  • gender equality
  • historical significance
Q10

What does victory represent in the film?

Victory in the film is not just about winning matches but also about personal triumphs over adversity. Billie Jean's ultimate success on the court symbolizes broader societal progress, making her victory a powerful statement for women's rights and paving the way for future advancements in sports and beyond.

  • victory
  • triumph
  • women's rights
  • personal growth
  • empowerment
Q11

How does the movie portray 1970s society?

The film portrays 1970s society as a time of transformation, with the feminist movement gaining momentum and challenging traditional gender roles. It highlights the tensions between evolving social attitudes and lingering discrimination, particularly in male-dominated fields like professional sports.

  • 1970s society
  • gender roles
  • social change
  • cultural context

Movie threads

More Movies Like Battle of the Sexes, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Battle of the Sexes tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Social Justice Underdog Stories Like Battle of the Sexes

Stories where personal courage sparks a movement for societal change. Explore movies like Battle of the Sexes that feature determined individuals fighting for social change. This thread gathers inspiring true stories and dramas where personal battles become pivotal moments for equality, perfect for viewers who enjoyed the film's blend of societal commentary and triumphant victory.

  • inspiring
  • triumphant
  • determined
  • underdog
  • hopeful
  • confrontational
  • Tone: hopeful, determined, triumphant
  • Pacing: steady, building momentum
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread typically follow a protagonist who confronts a deeply entrenched social injustice. Their initial personal grievance escalates into a public battle, requiring them to overcome doubt, personal risk, and powerful opposition. The narrative culminates in a high-stakes event that serves as a symbolic victory, validating their struggle and inspiring broader change.

Why they belong together: These movies are grouped together because they share a core focus on a real-world social issue, an inspiring underdog protagonist, and a narrative arc that moves from frustration to triumphant progress. They mix medium emotional weight with a fundamentally hopeful tone, offering a satisfying and uplifting viewing experience centered on meaningful change.

Movies About Public Spectacles and Private Struggles Like Battle of the Sexes

When a high-profile event forces characters to confront their private demons. Find films similar to Battle of the Sexes that explore the tension between public image and private life. If you liked how the tennis match mirrored Billie Jean King's personal journey, you'll enjoy these stories where high-stakes public events force characters to confront their true selves.

  • introspective
  • energetic
  • media spectacle
  • self-discovery
  • personal integrity
  • determined
  • Tone: hopeful, introspective, energetic
  • Pacing: steady, alternating focus
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a character preparing for a widely watched public event while simultaneously navigating a profound private crisis. The two storylines are deeply intertwined, with the external conflict amplifying the internal one. The climax of the public event often resolves or brings clarity to the personal struggle, leading to a cathartic release and a new sense of self.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their dual-focus structure, balancing a large-scale public narrative with a sensitive, intimate personal one. They share a medium intensity created by the collision of external pressure and internal turmoil, a steady pacing that develops both plots, and a tone that finds hope and resolution through facing challenges publicly and privately.

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Movies Like Battle of the Sexes

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Every angle

Battle of the Sexes (2017) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Battle of the Sexes in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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