Ford v Ferrari is exactly as advertised

It’s all about the growl of the engines taking corners

I love cars so when Ford v Ferrari opened in theatres on November 15^th I considered seeing it because Christian Bale and Matt Damon are great actors. I have a vague idea of how British racing driver Ken Miles (Bale) and hot-rodder Carroll Shelby (Damon) propelled Ford Motor Company vengeful ire to beat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966 because of ‘disrespect’ from Enzo Ferrari. The film tells how a lot of testosterone, man blockheadedness, and LOTS of money allowed Ford to wrestle the win for three straight years. and 1967. his Scuderia Ferrari winning everything throughout the 1960s. 

But what can I say I have a weakness for <vroom> speed, hugging curves and sexy sports cars. Once it was released to watch in the comfort of my home I got ready to settle in for a night of fast cars! Even if you saw the film in theatres with the release you get some bonuses that really make it special to rewatch at your leisure.

Watching the film I knew a lot of their names and a passing knowledge of Shelby, Miles, Lee Iacocca, Henry Ford II and the Ford Mustang as well as Ford’s failed attempt to buy Ferrari. That attempt is the light that fires the film but what ties it together is the racing scenes since the story itself of a bunch of white men fighting the changing future of the automotive industry is still being played out today to my (personal) frustration.  

I have to say the film is beautiful and makes you almost feel like you’re a passenger .. no the DRIVER in quite a few of the films. I could almost feel the pressure and smell the gas as the engines rev, tires squeal and the team working on how to get the cars ready in a short amount of time. I was mesmerized listening to them figure out how to compete with the Europeans but was disappointed with the man’s view of the film. I really wished they had focused more on Ken Mile’s family and his pull between his passion and family obligations. I wanted to learn more about what Mollie (Caitriona Balfe) Peter (Noah Jupe) Miles thought about his love for speed and dangerous career. Other than one scene of ‘crazy hysterical’ woman after his wife becomes frustrated and Ken’s bonding with Peter through racing they were an afterthought in the film. 

As a car lover, the 152-minute film was a visual delight of seeing vintage race cars being still AND on the track but as a person, I was disappointed but not surprised at the lack of diversity or equality for women in the film. They are in the background silent, pretty and available for a peck on the cheek all part of the rewards for successful men. But is it really a surprise? It’s still a White male-dominated industry that’s still resistant to change. I want to be clear even in the 60s men of color were racing and working in the industry with a few women (white and WOC that had it even harder to be heard or recognized) but this isn’t their story. 

I’m reviewing Ford vs Ferrari a beautiful fast machine that under the hoods purr like a wild beast. Like many wild animals so beautiful to see in the wild as they lope across the Serengeti. This film is about a point in time where the White men were men and the only limit was money and their own dreams.

I liked Ford v Ferrari (titled Le Mans ’66 in the U.K.) for anyone who loves cars and curious about the history of Ford winning Le Mans as the first USA car. If you don’t like cars or racing then you’ll be bored.

FORD V FERRARI Digital Bonus Features:

• “The 24 Hour Le Mans: Recreating the Course” Featurette – Discover how the climactic race of the film was achieved, from recreating the track to capturing and editing all the action.
• Pre-Vis: Daytona & Le Mans Races – These animated pre-visualization sequences worked as a roadmap for filmmakers throughout production.
• “Bringing The Rivalry to Life” * – Go behind the scenes of the film with this 8-part, 60-minute documentary.
• Matt and Christian: The Conversation (iTunes Extras exclusive) – Sit down with Christian Bale and Matt Damon for an intimate reflection on the making of the film.

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About Author

Cherry

I live in Los Angeles and am a professional in the new media communication and marketing field with experience in non-profit, education, healthcare, political campaign and volunteer management. I’m a trustworthy honest creative professional that is able to offer strategic counseling on marketing & communications using social media.

In my spare time I enjoy cultural events, going to the movies, being a foodie, getting in shape and dating.

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