Ford v. Ferrari Starring: Christian Bale, Matt Damon, Caitriona Balfe, Tracey Letts
Directed by: James Mangold
Rated: PG-13
While walking into the theater for Ford v Ferrari, I didn’t know what was in store. I have no knowledge of racing. My only introduction to the race car genre is Ron Howard’s 2013 film Rush. I usually have little interest in anything involving racing, but the moment I saw Chris Hemsworth on that poster six years ago, I thought, “Wow, that one’s a must-see.” Not only did Chris Hemsworth make it worth it, but that is one excellent and underrated film. So I ventured into the race car genre again, six years after Rush hit theaters for Ford v. Ferrari. There was no Chris Hemsworth this time around, but the film captured my attention because of the star power of its two leads. Matt Damon and Christian Bale in a movie together is a big deal. As award season approaches, the film has been gathering some buzz.
Ford v Ferrari centers around the friendship of former racecar driver turned car designer Caroll Shelby (Matt Damon), who is approached by Ford motors to build the perfect racecar to beat Ferrari at The 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Caroll knows the ideal driver for the race is his friend Ken Miles (Christian Bale), but Miles’ personality isn’t quite what Ford is looking to represent the brand. Can the two make their way to Le Mans and win against Ferrari?
James Mangold (Walk the Line, Logan) directs Ford v Ferrari as a straightforward biopic that’s a lot like Mad Men meets Rush. The film mixes the corporate elements of the 1960s Ford business and the high octane world of racing. Even though these are vastly different spaces, Mangold blends them handily with The 24 Hours of Le Mans, weaving the story together. Mangold succeeds in creating a deep-seated tension that flows throughout the film. As each race approaches, it becomes more and more nerve-wracking than the last. Ford v Ferrari proves this is high stakes cinema that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
It’s no surprise that Christian Bale and Matt Damon give excellent performances here. Damon is the straightforward car designer, while Bale is the high maintenance driver with a streak of greatness. Together, they’re unstoppable. I’m impressed by Damon’s subtlety in this performance. He doesn’t take things too far or go over-the-top but plays Shelby as the all American car aficionado whose days of glory are behind him. My one complaint with the movie is that the audience doesn’t know very much about Carroll Shelby’s background. The film is more focused on his role in the business side of things. I did some research after watching and found out that he was married 7 TIMES! None of that is mentioned at all. It would have been an interesting tidbit to add to the movie somewhere!
Bale’s performance is far from subtle, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. At first, I found some of his mannerisms to be a bit cartoony, but as we learn more about Ken Miles, the performance takes off. Miles is a complicated driver who knows everything about cars. He strives for the perfect vehicle, no matter what. Beginning the film as a hot-tempered driver, we quickly see there are more layers to Miles, who has a close-knit family. (played excellently by Noah Jupe as his son and Caitriona Balfe as his wife) He undergoes a real character transformation through the course of the film. Christian Bale lost 70 pounds in between Vice and Ford v Ferrari. 70 pounds! If you read my Joker review, you know I don’t like the trend of actors risking their health for a role. However, it’s insane to believe this is the same guy who just played Dick Cheney in Vice. He’s a chameleon in every single role.
Ken and Carroll’s friendship is the core focus of this film. Without each other, the dream of Ford’s Le Mans race would never come alive. It’s compelling characterization to see such different personalities maintain a strong friendship throughout the film. With the Oscars just around the corner, both actors have a strong case for a nomination.
If you’ve been wondering where Josh Lucas of Sweet Home Alabama fame has been lately, wonder no longer! He’s been working on becoming the most obnoxious man at the Ford Motor Company! He plays Leo Beebe, the Senior Executive Vice President of Ford. Whew, this man is RUDE! I’m talking Disney villain levels of bad. Josh Lucas, why hast thou fallen so far from grace? He used to be the character I could count on in Sweet Home Alabama, Glory Road, and Life As We Know It. Now, I can’t even look at him without getting irrationally angry because he’s so mean in this movie. You just want to walk up to the screen and yell at him for his snide arrogance. So, I guess he’s doing a good job playing the character.
This is quite an impressive film to look at from a cinematography standpoint when you’re not yelling at Josh Lucas. The racing scenes are pieced together by a mixture of real races and CGI. Even when CGI is utilized, it always looks realistic. Cinematographer Phedon Papamichael keeps the audience hooked with the juxtaposition of stuffy corporate office imagery and open racing spaces. Each shot feels like you are watching a movie from the 1960s.
Ford v Ferrari is a riveting film focused on character relationships, rivalry, and racing. The stellar acting from Damon and Bale and excellent directing make it a genuinely exciting biopic that will leave you intrigued. I can almost guarantee that Ford v. Ferrari will race its way to a Best Picture nomination this season.
My Rating: 8/10