One of the great American achievements in modern racing arrives with the little known (until now) story of how a couple of guys with a dream, channeled that bold All-American spirit that doesn’t like to hear “no” and proceeded to make history. Ford v. Ferrari, the Oscar winning stunner from director James Mangold (Logan), is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download formats.
This is a must-own movie! The opportunity to witness Mangold’s masterpiece repeatedly is not lost on this movie fanatic. There is something special to his cinematic love letter to ingenuity meets unbridled passion that comes alive in two of the most sensational performances you will see from 2019. Matt Damon is Carroll Shelby and the actor nails it as the famed car designer (and former racer himself), from every little nuance and gram of fortitude. Christian Bale does it again as Ken Miles, the British-born genius driver. Ken, well, he may rub folks the wrong way … especially those so-called “important” people. What more can be said about the Oscar winning actor and his ability to completely engross himself in the entity that is his character and possesses it from the inside out? What audiences get with Bale is the highest artistry that exists in Hollywood, and he replicates it repeatedly!
Everything leads up to the titular battle at the famed French 24-hour race at Le Mans. Italy’s Ferrari had been running away with the title in a successive manner that did not sit well with the descendant of Henry Ford. America invented the car and as such, there shouldn’t be a single automotive achievement that is not dominated by those from the good ole U-S-A. With Henry Ford II at the helm, the automotive giant (sales wise) took the advice and recommendation of one Lee Iacocca (Jon Bernthal). Get Shelby and craft a car that can compete with the fastest folks on four wheels in the world, and Le Mans was the top of their collective lists.
Of course, it’s all true. But something happens in Ford v. Ferrari that I love from my true tales. It’s not a smooth ride by any means. The speed bumps occur randomly and possess a variety of complexity that catches viewers off guard. What else is rich and a strong necessity in a biopic is the painting of the characters. They must be firmly three-dimensional and if you’re lucky, pop off the screen and into our psyche. From Ford to Iacocca to the two lauded leads, not to mention Caitriona Balfe and the what could have been standard issue fare, you know—the onscreen wife that is there for unconditional love and support. Balfe’s Mollie Miles is no pushover and the more we get to know her husband, it becomes clear that it takes a really special human being to be his perfect match. Given the mountain that Ken, Shelby and those representing an entire nation must climb, the moments where Mollie is able to offer her own unique inspiration to Shelby and her husband—in particular—could not have arrived at a more crucial point. The actress elevates her character to the challenge at hand for all involved in taking on the Italian racing giant. Also, a charmer is Noah Jupe as the Miles’ child. The actor, fresh off his “moment” that was Honey Boy, the young actor is every bit the screen son of Balfe and Bale and everything that means.
For more on the film itself, check out our theatrical Ford v Ferrari review.
Bringing the Rivalry to Life must be your first stop on the bonus features tour. The seconds under an hour featurette brilliantly breaks the behind-the-scenes look into seven angles on the production. Something must come to mind when thinking about Mangold … that guy is organized as can be and simultaneously has a vision like nobody’s business. The pair make for a fascinating film, sure, but also making-off extras on home video. It accomplishes so much in a deserved look back at the real life of Shelby and Miles. By contrasting their cinematic lives with the real experiences, bonds, ups and downs of living what is entertainingly portrayed in the film itself has an elevated resonance. Our favorite segment should surprise nobody, Directing the Rivalry. Not only hearing from the movie master himself but hearing from his fellow behind-the-camera colleagues and his talented thespian troupe gives an appreciation for the filmmaker that could not more complete.
An animated pre-visualization sequence provides the framework for how so much of the production would go forward … that is the premise of the featurette Pre-Vis: Daytona & Le Mans Races. If you are a fan of bonus features, then this aspect of the filmmaking process is quite familiar. Witnessing what Mangold had to work with on this extra is an impressive curtain removal to his movie magic.
The 24 Hour Le Mans: Recreating the Course, for longtime race fans or newbies alike, is an approachable introduction into this world that will only enhance your appreciation for what the drivers do, what the car designers craft, how the pit crew must work like a unified front and every other element of life on a track. This is one special race … and this coming from a guy who is not necessarily a race car fanatic.
If there was not a bonus feature on the two leads, that would have been a deal breaker with this puppy. Actually no, the movie itself warrants the purchase! But it is terrific to have a look at Damon and Bale with Matt and Christian: The Conversation. The exclusive for iTunes finds the two decorated actors chatting up a storm about making the movie and everything in between.
Film Grade: A
Bonus Features: A