Upamanyu Biswas
Directed by Michael Mailer, ‘Heart of Champions’ tells the story of an army vet named Jack Murphy, who is brought in as the coach of the Belston University rowing team after consistent failure in significant events. After his appointment, Murphy must determine the best approach to unite the team and help them overcome their differences. However, problems arise when Murphy’s methods clash with the overarching message being sent from Belston’s upper management. The university makes a prominent impression throughout the narrative, primarily as it serves as the primary setting for the sports drama narrative. As such, its prestigious reputation is threatened when the team cannot beat its rivals on the water and clinch the title.
Belston University is a Fictional University Divorced From Reality
Belston University in ‘Heart of Champions’ is a fictional university crafted by scriptwriter Vojin Gjaja. Although the movie is partially based on Gjaja’s experiences, many of the events described in the film are also drawn from the writer’s imagination. This also extends to Belston, which is defined as a top-shelf Ivy League institute with the best facilities, faculties, and students. However, despite its world-class renown, the college’s rowing team struggles to make a mark in any meaningful way. The film opens with Belston losing out on a race even though they have a lead at one point in the event. They are beaten by the Harvard rowing team, who remain their sporting nemesis throughout the story. As such, Coach Murphy is appointed to change the team’s fortunes.
During production, Louisiana State University, a public research university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, doubled up as Belston University. It is located at Pleasant Hall, 1146, and is considered the state’s flagship institution. Some of its notable alums include Shaquille O’Neal, James Carville, Bill Conti, Lolo Jones, and Hubert Humphrey. It has a longstanding history that stretches back to 1860, its year of founding. Its current main campus boasts numerous buildings that are designed in the Italian Renaissance style architecture. However, unlike Belston University, LSU is not an Ivy League college, which separates it from the fictional establishment. Still, the real-life university’s look, feel, and texture can be found in numerous scenes within the movie.
In the film, it is explained that Coach Murphy is also a former student of Belston. He and Alex Singleton’s father were former teammates on the same rowing team in college. As such, it is a full circle moment for Murphy to return to his old stomping grounds as the teacher rather than the pupil. He also explains to the new rowers what it means to represent Belston and how they should strive for success. The messages imparted by the coach reflect the honor and prestige of studying at the institute. It also helps the audience understand the gravity of representing Belston as one of its athletes. It plays a crucial role in creating an immersive backdrop for the sports drama. However, it remains a fictional establishment that cannot be found in reality.
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