Searching For Bobby Fisher

            Searching for Bobby Fisher is a story of inner struggles and the search for excellence. Josh Waitzkin, a child prodigy, is a normal little boy who discovers a hidden talent for playing chess. At first, Josh tries to model himself after the famous Bobby Fisher. But as he learns more about the life and personality of Bobby Fisher, he is not so sure. Bobby Fisher, like Josh, was also a child prodigy. He became obsessed with mastering the game of chess. He essentially gave up his childhood in order to stay ahead. As an adult, Bobby Fisher was well-known, but very unlikable hardened champion, who disappeared after every tournament he won. Josh must decide whether he wants to follow the footsteps of Bobby Fisher or forge his own path. .
             Josh first becomes interested in chess while playing in the park. He stumbles upon people playing speed chess, and finds that he instantly understands the game. Josh constructs a makeshift chess board in his room and practices all the time. He convinces his mother to let him go to the park to play a game. He meets Vinny, a drug addict and hustler, who challenges Josh to play to his potential. Vinny does little more than play chess all day, and it is a job that he loves. The two develop a mutual respect for each other and Vinny becomes Josh's mentor. Josh learns a lot of strategies and finds himself on the way. Josh's amazement with chess grows and he wants to know more about it. At this point in the movie, it is not about winning, but enjoying the game and learning something new with each move. Vinny somehow manages to make the game fun, whether Josh is winning or losing. .
             Fred Waitzkin, Josh's father, is a sports writer and Josh's baseball coach. He is fanatical about his son's talents, and pushes Josh to excel in baseball. Fred wants Josh to succeed where he failed, and thus unknowingly tries to live his childhood vicariously through his son.