Howe was concerned that Beane was neglecting the game's human element, but in the end, they worked together to make the As the best they could be. In reality, Howe and Beane had disagreements, but their conversations were always conducted professionally. In the movie, Howe appears to want the Moneyball theory to fail at all costs, and Beane is forced to trade players to make Howe use the hitters and infielders that the analytics dictate. The film depicts Howe as a stubborn and unhappy character who resists Billy Beane's new approach to team management.
The portrayal of Art Howe in Moneyball remains a subject of controversy and criticism.
