The world of racing is sort of baffling from an outsider
perspective. On one hand, you have the perpetual left turns during a NASCAR
race, followed by devoted domestic fans who watch for the crashes more than
anything. On the other, you have the respected world of racing, the winding
tracks of Europe that provide as treacherous an event as you might find across
the globe. Ford v Ferrari plays in that world, specifically the world of
the 24 House of Le Mans in 1966, and the mission of a few men to take down the
dominant Ferrari.
American automotive designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and
fearless British race car driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) battle corporate
interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a
revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co. Together, they plan to compete at
the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.
In an age of blockbusters and franchises, the $100 million
adult drama is seemingly dying off or going to TV instead. Ford v Ferrari is
here to make an argument for the value of a movie theater experience of a well-constructed,
compelling adult drama. The racing scenes certainly help, they’re fast,
intense, and shot remarkably well, demanding the biggest screen you can find
rather than a 65” TV from your couch.
The drama doesn’t end at the checkered flag though, as the
story of the film is actually inherently fascinating as well. Starting with a
company, and a large, successful company at that, looking to improve their
sales numbers through marketing and getting to a place of innovation and
invention is an interesting leap to make, but Ford v Ferrari gets there.
The Ford Company is not completely held up on pedestal, even if there is some
America first and Pro-USA tones sprinkled in, but this is ultimately a
marketing ploy that just happens to let some determined men build a really fast
car and drive against other really fast cars.
Those men are played by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, two
actors who are more than capable of leading a film on their own, but benefit
from actually sharing this screen. Bale gets the opportunity to be charming and
funny, a rare occurrence with his roles lately, and absolutely runs with it.
Damon gets less to work with in terms of character, but he plays it with a
sense of yearning and pain in his eye all the same. The two share remarkable
chemistry and the friendship they have, however hostile it may seem, is
believable. While the film may draw crowds for the high-octane races, they’ll
stay for the performances from these two.
Ford v Ferrari may be a last ditch effort to save the
idea of mid budget movies, and it puts in quite an effort. If people seek it
out, they’ll be rewarded with a film that moves with a brisk pace, hardly
feeling like the two and half hours that it actually is, and a thrilling, funny
experience overall. The intensity and action is there for the individuals who
want more than just the drama, the sound itself will punch you in the face, let
alone the addition of the visuals as well. Just be careful when you leave the
theater, Ford v Ferrari will make just about anyone want to step on the
gas.
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