By Shane Conto
Have you ever just wanted to go out for a drive and forget everything going on in your life? The feeling of the road below your feet and the force pushing you back in your seat grab you like no other feeling. Have you ever wanted to watch a film that makes you feel that same feeling? You are in luck! Ford V Ferrari is just that film. James Mangold’s latest directorial effort takes us behind the curtain (and the wheel) of the rise of Ford Racing’s dominance on the race track. The tale centers around two legendary figures amongst the racing community. Matt Damon brings the tough and swaggering Texan, Carroll Shelby, to life as he helps design the great Ford GT for the 24 Hours at Le Mans race. Christian Bale (now with a stringy physique) plays hard nosed and opinionated racer, Ken Miles. These two best friends anchor this incredibly written story as they navigate not only the race tracks but also the behind the scenes politics of the Ford Motor Company. For a film that is two and a half hours, the story does not feel flabby nor does it feel like certain scenes could be cut. An inspirational story with a great message of chasing your dreams and rising above convention really grabs the audience’s imagination. The story will even throw some surprises at you along the way.
What really stands out about this film is the connection the audience gets to create with our two leads, Damon and Bale. These two performances are the driving forces in this film and are the reason this film works so well. What else could you ask for from your leads? Damon really engrosses himself in the performance as Shelby. I would even get lost and forget I was watching Matt Damon. He delivers on the emotional moments (especially towards the end of the film) and moments of vulnerability as he deals with his struggle for control and the health reasons for his retirement from racing. Bale is top notch as always with his extremely expressive demeanor (which is a true asset in this performance) and intense drive. The two performance are so charismatic that it is hard to lose interest over the course of the large runtime of the film. Both have their fun or funnier moments (this film has a surprising dose of humor). The rest of the cast is game as well with Tracy Letts being both commanding and prick-ish at the same time in his role of Henry Ford II. You can feel the insecurities of the character shine through Letts performance. Ken Miles’ wife was a great role to showcase the work of Caitrionia Balfe who is funny, charming and relatable as she worries so much about her husband and their relationship. Jon Bernthal is suave and charming as rising star business man, Lee Iaccoca, and Josh Lucas is slimy and gross in his performance as Leo Beebe. My favorite among the adults in the film from supporting perspective just might be Ray McKinnon, who plays the right-hand man of Carroll Shelby. He is endearing and funny while also being a supporting anchor at every turn for our leads. Then there is Noah Jupe who provides a great and moving child performance which is the true emotional anchor of the film. Sounds like some serious acting, wouldn’t you say? That is an understatement for a film that thrives on the acting involved.
Mangold brings a steady hand to the director’s chair as he directs the hell out of this film. Ford V Ferrari zips along its runtime in a manner that makes you second guess whether this film was really two and a half hours. Every moment is properly utilized and dishes out not only the thrillers but also the many facets of this story. Whether they are quite character moments or snappy business exchanges, this one has something for everyone. The best technical aspects of this film really do lie with the director and his crew. The racing sequences are impressive with their energy and craft. The effects are well done and the camera keeps you locked into the race. I felt like I was doing the driving myself at 200 mph. What could be as exciting as a race card zooming the track at top speed? Marco Beltrami utilizes a more subtle and poignant score that fits so well among all the well done sound editing. The photography done by Phedon Papamichael works so well, especially any sequence involving the racing.
The movement of the camera during races is impressive with how it makes you feel like you are behind the wheel.
Looking at the film as a whole, it the story that unique? No. Does Ford V Ferrari showcase a unique and arthouse appeal? Not so much. But can I remember a studio film that captures the greatness of America cinema like this one did? Hell no. This is a classy example of the true Hollywood experience of filmmaking. The frills of such films like The Lighthouse or Jojo Rabbit might not be there but Mangold does some of his best work at making a grounded and affecting film. Ford V Ferrari is exciting and thrilling, it is funny, and it is emotionally resonant. It has everything that it needs to be a great film. And do you know why? Because it IS a great film.
Grade: A
About the Author:
If the early bird gets the worm, then Shane Conto gets the “Best Ever Challenge” worm. Shane has his BEC movies picked, written, and submitted weeks in advance. If you follow him on social you’ll be shocked at the amount of movies and TV he is able to view and review consistently. His favorite movie of all time is Mad Max Fury Road and he never misses a chance to get Mad Max into the weekly BEC. When he isn’t watching movies, he is teaching college statistics. You can count on Shane for excellent movie reviews.