Few things in this world are more exciting than the dirty, rapturous feeling of being in a racecar going almost 200 miles per hour. While not everyone has physically done that before, this cinematic experience will make you come damn close. James Mangold's Ford v Ferrari is an excellent and thrilling true story that puts its audience in the drivers' seat and doesn't let you unbuckle until it's over. I grew up in a family where racing and the history of cars was very important, but I knew practically nothing about this story going in. I was very pleasantly surprised to get not only one of the most fun theater experiences of this year but to learn a very critical milestone about the history of American racecars. With expectedly fantastic performances from Matt Damon and Christian Bale and pitch-perfect storytelling from Mangold, this movie is one that will please crowds of any genre, any age, and will leave them catching their breath.
For six years from 1960 to 1965, Ferrari has won a race in France known as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. When the Ford Motor Company fails to buy out Ferrari after they go bankrupt, they decide to build an American racecar of their own to compete with the undefeated Italians. To do so, they enlist the help of Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), revered driver and manufacturer of the Shelby Cobra and Ken Miles (Christian Bale), an English engineer who is known to be absolutely ruthless and clever on the track. Together, they work with Ford to get a shot at taking down Ferrari at Le Mans. The script throughout this film is incredible, providing a very entertaining story that is so successful at making you feel for these characters and their fight to win. I could definitely tell from the opening scene with its narration that this was a James Mangold film. Whereas something like Logan inserts the western genre and its dynamics into a superhero film, Ford v Ferrari inserts the western genre into American racecars. At its core, this movie is a racecar western with two clear sides of good vs. evil and this constant theme throughout Mangold's films is fascinating. Other ones that exist so prevalently are hard work, dedication, and the intense drive to beat their enemies and show the world the American way. My favorite aspect of the entire film was seen in how Shelby and Miles really crave competition more than anything. If Ferrari isn't there to compete, then they don't see much of a point in building their car. They know that without someone worthy to compete with, their victory would not be as sweet. This element of the script fascinated me the most and was a very original take on a sports film such as this. Even though the characters don't have much of individual arcs and the way this true story was told was fairly standard, it was interesting regardless to see how they all played into the overall narrative of pushing Ford to build the fastest and most powerful car in the world.
More than anything, Ford v Ferrari is an astounding look at the history of American car racing and the struggle to keep up with technology in the 1960s. This time period was one of the most culturally influential and important decades of the last century for America for so many different reasons and this film explores a big part of that. But of course, when you're watching a film about racing, one should rightfully expect some roaring, adrenaline-fueled action sequences. Which this film absolutely delivers, as it proves to be probably the best action film of the year. The racing scenes throughout this movie truly make you feel like you are sitting in the passenger seat and these exhilarating scenes are such pure fun. There's really no reason why anyone would need to go to a racetrack to get the exterior feelings of having your core rattled by these machines when you could simply go to a theater and get the same experience plus a solid story. The sound design and Phedon Papamichael's cinematography definitely helped with this experience, enhancing each and every shot that the cars would zoom by or rev their unstoppable engines. What I enjoyed most is how they were also able to depict such strong feelings of anxiety and loneliness while some of these drivers sat behind their wheels going ungodly speeds. Damon and Bale's performances also help to carry the flow throughout this film and their chemistry is incredible. They are both such wildly talented, fantastic performers and it was obvious to see how much passion and research they put into telling this down-home, American story. It was also nice to see Bale utilize his normal voice for once and I feel like it definitely made him all the more comfortable as well.
Ford v Ferrari is exactly what I wanted it to be: a perfect balance of fantastic racing and compelling story. Knowing almost nothing about racecars going in, I'm so glad that I was able to still enjoy myself going out. This movie is the perfect thrill-ride that 2019 needed before it ended and I would not be surprised or upset if Damon and Bale snatch up a nomination for their incredibly solid performances. One thing is for sure, though: if every modern race was shot like this film, I would be watching a whole lot more NASCAR.
My Rating: ★★★★
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