Logan Sork Film Reviews
Ford v Ferrari
Racing films aren’t as common as one might think, and when they do happen, they typically focus on the racing and not much else. Franchises the Fast and Furious series have proven that while races and car chases may be fun to watch at the moment, but, without good characters or ideas propping them up they will ultimately fade away. In my opinion, the last great racing film was Ron Howard’s Rush, which perfectly balanced human drama with exhilarating race sequences. Well, I’m happy to report that there is a new film that will not only satisfy those who love cars but those who also look for great, personal human stories as well.
Ford v Ferrari is directed by James Mangold and stars Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, and Noah Jupe. The film follows Carol Shelby (Damon), the first American driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans who has now become the top American sports car designer. Shelby is approached by Ford representative Lee Iacocca (Bernthal), who offers Shelby the job of designing Ford a car that can beat Ferrari at Le Mans as they were cheated out of a business deal with Ferrari. Taking the challenge, Shelby recruits the talented yet unhinged driver Ken Miles (Bale) to help him develop the car. The two face not just the clock, but a group of constricting executives as they and their team work to design the perfect racing car.
The thing that may throw some people off guard when first viewing this film is that it, despite its advertisements, is not a film solely about racing. Yes, there are plenty of racing sequences in the film, but the main story focuses on the struggle of creativity vs business. Our characters are essentially given free will to design whatever they please. However, free will in the world of business is essentially diddley squat. While the Ferrari team may be the film’s supposed antagonist, the Ford team is not much of someone to root for, comprising of sleazy businessmen who want nothing more to further their own agenda. It’s a story heard time after time of the artists struggle to realize their vision and this film is surprisingly effective in its exploration of the subject matter. Our lead characters struggle to realize their vision in a cooperate minefield, navigating rules, regulations and the desires of those keener to make a quick buck. It’s a truly great story about creative liberty vs the business hivemind and will appeal not just to car junkies, but also those who have had ideas trampled on in the past.
As for the characters in the story, the two leads have some of the best chemistry in a film released this year. Matt Damon shines as Carrol Shelby, who’s smooth-talking, business savvy etiquette perfectly balances out Christian Bale’s rambunctious, off the wall Ken Miles. The way these two interact with each other onscreen is so fun to watch and constructs a wonderful on-screen friendship that really gets you attached to these guys. Their support is also great, with newcomer Noah Jupe bringing a nice dynamic to Bale’s character as the son of Ken Miles. The business players are also well-acted, with Jon Bernthal giving an excellent performance as Ford legend Lee Iacocca, a much-needed ally in the war Shelby and Miles must wage to realize their vision. On the opposite spectrum, Josh Lucas plays the sleazy business representative so good that it makes you hate him even more than you should. And while her role may be small, Caitriona Balfe makes the most of her role as Miles’ tough but loving wife. It is the characters of the film that really bring new light to the story and are a fine addition to the tense racing sequences.
And when the designing, business meetings, and testings are all done and it’s time to go to the track, man is it exciting. While there are only a few major racing sequences in the film, James Mangold replaces the lack of quantity with quality. These are some of the best racing sequences ever put to film, with beautiful cinematography, top-notch editing and a pounding score that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. There are a lot of wide shots used in the film, which helps you keep track of what’s going on without putting you too far away from the action. The attention to detail put into the races is also staggering, with the team going out of its way to painstakingly recreate the tracks and cars to just how they were back in ’66. As great as these details are, there are a few visual tricks employed that don’t quite hold up, but the impact they have on maintain the kinetic energy oft eh races is so good, you might not even notice them. When the film puts its foot down at the races, you will witness some of the most well-constructed racing sequences in cinematic history.
But these glorious racing sequences are just the icing on the well-crafted cake that is this film. While the racing sequences are a blast to watch, most of the entertainment comes in the form of its human characters and story. The story in which two creative minds battle forces that are well beyond their hands. It’s the human story that outshines the cars, but when the humans get behind the wheel, the film becomes a different kind of entertaining. This is a truly amazing film, one that works on multiple levels and can appeal to just about anyone, something truly difficult to find these days.
9.5/10