I just watched BECKHAM - a limited series on Netflix. i was actually really looking forward to it and was absolutely thrilled with the first episode. This kid knew only one love. Football. he was breathing, sleeping, eating football. His dad obviouly had a big role to play in this dream. He manifested his dream through his son. As most dads do. it was reassuring for me that this is not just an Indian / Asian phenomenon. For David, to play at his Dad's dream club and to do so well at such an early age is truly right out of a fairytale. He also shows hardcore discipline, sincerity, that you can see in the man even at age 47. he makes you fall in love with him instantly - and not just because of his clean good looks and charm, but just how dedicated he was early on in his career.
The dedication transcends football. He meets Victoria and the sparks are mutual. They both say 'I just fancied him / her'. It really put a smile on my face. Again, a love story right out of the books. But then you see how he'd spent hours to just get to her and spend 20 minutes with her. You see how devoted he is to her from the get go. He is clear in his mind that she is the one he is going to make it work with, despite what his manager says, despite what the advisors say, despite what the press says.
It's 4 episodes really. It's been shot very cleverly with Fisher interviewing multiple people in isolation. Beckham's former team players, freinds, family, managers, coaches, Victoria herself and ofcourse, him. You end the 4 episodes however, with a bit of a sour aftertaste. you finally sit back and think to yourself - wait this was finally just another couple - both with flamboyant, highly demanding careers who struggled to make it work across countries. isn't that like any other corporate couple today? The family's move to Madrid, then to LA, then back to the UK and Beckham's stint in Milan and then Paris and then finally his last bid in Miami - all really show how the couple navigated through it all - long distance, kids, an affair, the works.
The beauty of interviewing both of them in isolation also brings out some cute conflicts. something David says 'Victoria understood' had apparently 'totally pissed me off' according to Victoria. He admits to having an affair when feeling alone, abandoned in Madrid, when Victoria was reluctant to move with him. The fact that they still made it through makes you go back to their foundation - they genuinely do care about each other from the get go. Yes, one may have a bit of resentment and umbrage about not having a longer / prolific career as the other. But at the end of it all, they seem to have no complaints. At the end of the filming, they both feel like they've just had a therapy session. I guess it was cathartic. Just saying it like it were.
Not the first time someone has to prove to the world that their focus is not wavering despite their significant other. When a player's family / partner is watching them perform, we tend to be extra keen to see if their performance is getting better or worse. I've seen that through Indian cricket and European football. A girlfriend is either a lucky charm or a curse. Even the dogmatic coaches from Man U seemed to think that stability at home is something they will assess a player on. Now one might be able to sue them for discrimination.
Also, what is sad, is that at the end of the four episodes, you tend to resent Victoria and like Beckham lesser because of her. Is it again because she is assertive and hence comes across as arrogant and vain and he seems to be the victim who gave in to what came his way? Would I feel the same way, had I been watching a woman sportsperson who moved countries and continents and made her partner move with her?
Would this converstion be even pertinent if fame weren't involved? If USD 250Mn deals weren't involved? If he weren't literally fired from his family club - where he grew up. If he weren't spat on, banished, outcast, and left alone multiple times in his career despite his excellence.
It's a hard life. I'm glad they seem at peace now.
But my takeaway from these four episodes was that no matter what your line of work, how do you as partners make family, moves, promotions, travel, schedules work is entirely up to you. The two of you. No one else can play a role here. No one.
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