Ford v Ferrari
Movies about cars are something that I’ve been on the back and forth about. I wouldn’t consider myself a massive car guy, where I’m worrying about horsepower and what’s under the hood, but more about the technology and new features present. For what it’s worth, I will openly admit to enjoying a good car game when it does come into play. But, when thinking about this topic overall I mainly enjoy my car for its ability to get me where I need to go, not for all of the great mechanical features. Film has a way of making me enjoy things I haven’t in the past, and Ford v Ferrari was definitely a first for me. As a result, I loved every minute of it.
While the title of this film focuses on a singular event in Ford’s history, this is arguably more of a story about Ford throughout the mid-1960s. Starting in 1963, Ford is struggling to find a foothold in the racing industry. But, when Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal) comes to Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) with an idea to buy Ferrari, who are completely broke, Ford is offered a chance at redemption in racing. Unfortunately, Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) declines their offer at the last moment as Fiat offers to buy the company and allows Ferrari to continue to control the business. As a result of this spurning, Ford demands that Iacocca build a racing division that can beat Ferrari at Le Mans, and he turns to Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), a car designer who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans himself. To assist him, Shelby hires Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to be his main driver and help him push for perfection. But, Miles isn’t exactly the calmest individual, and butts heads with Ford’s leadership in the process.
I’ve always been a huge fan of Christian Bale, and more recently Matt Damon as well. Bale, in my opinion, is one of the best character actors of this generation. The way he slips into roles is incredible, and his portrayal of Ken Miles is without question one of his best. It may even go as far as to top my favorite other performance of his: Bruce Wayne. Damon is also excellent as Shelby, although a bit more vanilla than Miles, he manages to get across the idea of a man driven to win and also to create the perfect vehicle. Damon and Bale portray very much different sides of the same coin, driven men with the same ideas, but different in their approach. Shelby is much more methodical and planning, while Miles is very much hotheaded and “get it done.” These clashing ideals often result in very realistic human moments where their relationship breaks down, only to recognize their mistakes and come back together.
What Ford v Ferrari really exceeds at though is that idea of the thrill and power of racing. Focused around the Ford GT40, there’s plenty of sequences in this film of Miles testing new tweaks to the vehicle, and putting you in the driver or seat, or very close to the action. It’s pulse-pounding and incredibly exciting as an audience member to watch the GT40 fly through turns or blast down a straightaway. Like being front row at a sporting event, you feel like you’re at the center of the action. But, the piece de resistance comes when Ford and Ferrari finally clash at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Through rain and sun, daylight and night time, Ford’s racing team pushes the limits of their vehicles and you see every incredible moment of it. I don’t know if the events are entirely historically accurate, but as a viewer with little history of the true race, it certainly feels realistic down to the smallest of details. The masterful set design is also on display at Le Mans, and the team behind it should deserve a nomination at the Oscars.
As a film, Ford v Ferrari is exactly the thrill ride you want it to be. Going in I knew this film was close to 2 and a half hours, but once I sat down and the film began, it moved at a breakneck pace, and before I knew it the credits were scrolling. This is not a knock on the film at all, as films that are able to take their longer run time and make you feel like they use every minute wisely are better off for it. Bale and Damon’s performance very much carries the film, and I think that’s the right decision as basing the film more around the event and not the people could have gone very badly. But, this relationship between Shelby and Miles is outstanding, and the true highlight. But, when this film is at it’s best, there’s nothing like it in theaters right now, and it begs to be seen on the biggest and best screen possible.
