Stepping into the role of directing the latest episode of Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty was a natural progression for Todd Banhazl, who had previously received an Emmy nomination for his work as a cinematographer on the show. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Banhazl discusses the creative vision behind the episode and the importance of humanizing the characters.
According to Banhazl, the third episode of the season sets the stage for the long-standing rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. He describes it as the supervillain’s backstory, but also an opportunity to humanize the character. The goal of the season is to make the audience truly understand and care about both Magic and Bird.
Banhazl’s experience as a cinematographer on the show helped him in his transition to directing. He understood what his DP, Rick Diaz, needed from him to do their best work. Directing allowed Banhazl to be more involved in shaping the emotional and creative aspects of the show.
Unlike other sports dramas, Winning Time is more story-focused. Banhazl explains that the show is about race, capitalism, and how those themes intersect, both in the past and present. The characters’ experiences drive the narrative, with the rivalry between Magic and Bird representing larger societal conflicts.
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The show also utilizes a unique approach of blending documentary footage with fictionalized depictions of real-life events. This technique creates a collage of American memory and allows the audience to see the characters in both larger-than-life and vulnerable ways.
Season one of Winning Time focused on the Showtime era of the Lakers dynasty, while season two centers on the period from 1980-1984. Banhazl believes that these years mark a shift from romance to complexity. The characters are faced with existential questions and the loss of innocence as they navigate the challenges that come with success and power.
The episode foreshadows the disruption of winning time with the introduction of Larry Bird. Banhazl emphasizes that Bird’s story is essential to the series, as there is no Magic without Bird and vice versa. Their rivalry pushes them to become better and ultimately, they become friends, representing two sides of the same character.
The episode also explores parallel surrogate father-son stories, with Magic finding guidance from Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Bird finding it in his assistant coach and later, Red Auerbach. Trust is a critical theme in both storylines as the young players navigate their newfound fame and success.
Banhazl is unsure of how the players and real-life figures portrayed in the show feel about season two. However, he assures that the show’s intentions have always been to represent the characters with grace and empathy, showcasing all the incredible things that happened in their lives.
In addition to directing, Banhazl also became a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) earlier this year. He describes this milestone as a significant achievement and a fulfillment of a lifelong dream to be part of the cinematography community.
With Banhazl’s expertise as a cinematographer and now director, Winning Time continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling, nuanced characters, and unique blend of fictional and real-life elements.
