Brad Pitt is back in the spotlight with his latest film, ‘F1 the Movie’, directed by Joseph Kosinski. This action-packed movie aims to capture the thrilling essence of Formula One racing, standing out among a slew of F1-themed programming that includes live races and numerous documentaries.
While the title might suggest a straightforward racing film, it is set to join the ranks of memorable Formula One films in cinematic history, such as the 1967 classic ‘Grand Prix’ and Steve McQueen’s 1971 drama ‘Le Mans’. Among contemporary titles, films like ‘Rush’, which delves into the real-life rivalry between James Hunt and Niki Lauda, and the poignant documentary ‘Senna’, a tribute to the late racing legend Ayrton Senna, have set a high bar.
‘F1 the Movie’ shines as a slick and meticulously crafted piece of entertainment, aiming for a similar level of acclaim. The film rejuvenates the career of the 61-year-old Pitt, similar to how ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ revitalized Tom Cruise’s image, showcasing Pitt as a determined outsider ready to make a comeback.
In this film, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a once-promising Formula One star whose career was cut short due to a devastating crash in the ’90s. Fast forward thirty years, Sonny now leads a different life as a professional gambler and part-time race car driver.
His life takes a turn when Ruben, an old friend and fellow racer portrayed by Javier Bardem, approaches him with a request. Ruben desperately needs Sonny to drive for Apex, his struggling Formula One racing team. After some hesitation, Sonny agrees and travels to London to join the team, where he immediately finds himself clashing with the young and hotheaded driver, Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris.
The tension between Sonny and Joshua escalates as the two navigate their rivalry both on and off the racetrack. The film traverses various Grand Prix locations including Monza, Las Vegas, and Abu Dhabi, heightening the stakes and injecting excitement into the competitive landscape.
Their conflict comes to a head when a reckless move by Sonny results in a crash that damages both his and Joshua’s cars, leaving Ruben furious with the consequences. As the film unfolds, viewers can easily predict the trajectory of the plot: Sonny and Joshua will likely learn to work together, and one or both of them may suffer injuries on their path to success. Adding to the complexity is a romantic subplot between Sonny and Kate, the team’s technical director portrayed by Kerry Condon, which adds to the drama.
Despite the predictability of the broader narrative, the film successfully keeps audiences on their toes through unexpected moments. This approach aligns with the philosophy of its protagonist, Sonny, who believes that true success often requires a counterintuitive strategy: slowing down to speed up and sometimes even crashing out to ultimately find victory.
Joseph Kosinski has impressed audiences with his previous works such as ‘Tron: Legacy’ and ‘Oblivion’, but with ‘F1 the Movie’, he demonstrates a remarkable ability to integrate authentic storytelling with gripping action sequences. The racing scenes, exquisitely captured by cinematographer Claudio Miranda and brilliantly edited by Stephen Mirrione, are a visual spectacle that balances high energy with elegance. Both Brad Pitt and Damson Idris performed their own driving stunts, achieving speeds of up to 180 miles per hour, which significantly enhances the film’s authenticity.
To successfully convey the essence of ‘F1 the Movie’, a filmmaker must harmoniously blend the emotional nuances of male-centric narratives with the high stakes of competitive racing. Kosinski adeptly handles the clichés inherent in Hollywood narratives, particularly the theme of the aging veteran making a last-ditch effort for glory, and adds a layer of genuine emotion to the film.
However, there are moments when the film feels overly sentimental, particularly during a lengthy monologue delivered by Sonny about the thrills of racing. This moment slows down the pacing of the film, which might lead to a few groans from the audience, humorously coining the term ‘Pitt stop’.
In conclusion, ‘F1 the Movie’ is a compelling addition to the genre, certain to resonate with fans of action and racing alike. With a stellar performance by Brad Pitt, engaging storytelling, and thrilling sequences, it shows promise as a memorable entry into the world of Formula One cinema.
image source from：npr
