Was The Cutting Edge Based On A True Story
Released in 1992, The Cutting Edge is a romantic comedy-drama that tells the story of a figure skater and a former ice hockey player who team up to compete in the Winter Olympics. The movie received positive reviews for its witty humor, engaging storyline, and impressive ice-skating sequences. But the question on many viewers' minds is whether The Cutting Edge was based on a true story. In this article, we'll explore the origins of the movie and whether it has any basis in reality.
The Plot of The Cutting Edge
The Cutting Edge follows the story of Kate Moseley, a talented but temperamental figure skater who has just lost her partner due to injury. Desperate to find a new partner, Kate's coach enlists the help of Doug Dorsey, a former ice hockey player who was forced to retire due to a career-ending injury. Despite their initial animosity towards each other, Kate and Doug eventually form a strong bond and begin to work together, with the ultimate goal of competing in the Winter Olympics.
The Origins of The Cutting Edge
The Cutting Edge was written by Tony Gilroy, who is best known for his work on the Bourne series of movies. According to Gilroy, the inspiration for the movie came from his own experiences as a competitive figure skater in his youth. In an interview with The New York Times, Gilroy said that he wanted to create a romantic comedy that was set in the world of figure skating, which he felt was an underrepresented sport in movies.
Is The Cutting Edge Based on a True Story?
While The Cutting Edge is not based on a specific true story, it does draw inspiration from real-life events and people. For example, the character of Kate Moseley is widely believed to be based on real-life figure skater Debi Thomas, who won a bronze medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Like Moseley, Thomas was known for her fiery personality and her struggles to find a suitable skating partner.
Similarly, the character of Doug Dorsey is believed to be inspired by real-life ice hockey player Rob McCall, who competed in ice dancing with his partner Tracy Wilson. McCall, like Dorsey, was forced to retire from ice hockey due to injury and transitioned to ice dancing, where he found success with Wilson. The two went on to win a bronze medal at the 1988 Winter Olympics.
The Legacy of The Cutting Edge
Despite not being based on a specific true story, The Cutting Edge has become a beloved classic among fans of romantic comedies and sports movies. Its combination of humor and heart, along with its impressive ice-skating sequences, have made it a favorite among viewers of all ages. The movie has also spawned several sequels, including The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold and The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream.
In conclusion, while The Cutting Edge is not based on a true story in the traditional sense, it does draw inspiration from real-life events and people. The characters of Kate Moseley and Doug Dorsey are believed to be inspired by real-life figure skater Debi Thomas and ice hockey player Rob McCall, respectively. Regardless of its origins, The Cutting Edge remains a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences more than 25 years after its initial release.