Once you disconnect from your knowledge of the actual technical realities of the sport, F1: The Movie will provide a rollicking good time. By far its strongest element is the amazing cinematography. The staging and shooting of the on-track action is superlative and gives real insight into the actual dynamics of racing like no computer-generated imagery ever could (at least not yet). Having all of this action being presented at full high-res on the big screen really sells the illusion.
The amount of concessions made to play to Brad Pitt’s character of the alpha male race car driver Sonny Hayes leads to a few unnecessary storyline decisions. The most egregious one being the completely frivolous and underdeveloped romance between Hayes and race car designer Kate played by Kerry Condon. But then this work was never intended for the motor racing purist, it’s squarely aimed for mass consumption.
The overall presentation is very bright and shiny. The integration into the real world of F1 aided by the governing body’s acceptance of cast and crew’s into the actual grid proceedings is very effective. This Illustrates the many lessons learned by the audience building aspect of Netflix’s ongoing soap opera that is Drive To Survive.
Once you come to terms with its intention, it becomes a lot of fun to just experience. And the visual onslaught and underdog ethos helps to sell that vision. It is not a thinking person’s racing movie, it’s a buttered popcorn thrill ride that will keep you engaged throughout its 155-minute running time. The real world drama does however continue this year as it’s a racing season that holds surprises on a weekly basis.
Rob Hudson
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