Arts and Lifestyle Wednesday Presented by The Exit Room of Lee's Summit-Formula Won
The first time that I saw a trailer for “Ford V Ferrari”, I knew that I would want to see it. I also knew that I would definitely be unable to view it without some comparison in my mind to Ron Howard’s brilliant and wildly underattended 2013 film “Rush”. “Rush” focused on the thrilling 1976 Formula One season race between James Hunt and Nikki Lauda, and “Ford” is also a true story and period racing piece focusing on Ford’s mid-60’s attempt to dethrone Ferrari as 24 Hours of Le Mans champs. “Rush” has more depth and substance, and in my mind is a better film, but that by means does not mean that “Ford V Ferrari” is not a great time at the movies, featuring two fantastic lead performances by Christian Bale and Matt Damon.
Ford is in a slump in 1963, and president Henry Ford II (Tracey Letts) wants ideas to rise out of it. VP Lee Iaccoca (a properly swaggering Jon Bernthal) comes up with an idea to purchase cash-strapped Ferrari and boost sales with the publicity of entering Le Mans, using their racing acumen. But Enzo Ferrari (Remo Girone) doesn’t like some of the terms of the deal and basically uses the negotiation to get a better one from Fiat. He insults Ford the company (“you make ugly little cars”), and Ford II (“tell him he is no Henry Ford”).
Ford II is furious when he is informed of the failed negotiations and the insults, and vows to get even. In an array of outstanding performances, Letts’ Ford II is the only weak link, he just doesn’t quite carry off being the officious ogre. But we certainly get someone to fill the bill, as Josh Lucas is perfectly oily as Senior VP Leo Beebe, who will make you want to kick him in the groin the rest of the way.
Ford eventually hires Carroll Shelby (Damon), a cocky Texan, who is a brilliant car designer after his racing career (which was highlighted by being the only previous American win at Le Mans) is ended by a heart condition. He enlists Ken Miles (Bale) a hot-headed and wildly talented driver, who has a savant like feel for race cars. The two have a battling-brothers type relationship, but each realizes the genius of the other. Shelby and Miles combine to work up a hot Ford GT40 Mk II in time for the 1964 Le Mans. But Miles has already rubbed some of the buttoned-up Ford execs the wrong way, especially Beebe, and they demand that Miles be replaced on one of the four teams. Shelby capitulates, but while delivering the bad news to Miles, receives several pointed suggestions for the other drives from him.
They basically ignore them, and none of the four Fords finish the race. Ford II is humiliated, and he brings in Shelby to fire him. But Shelby turns the tables by pointing out that the fastest laps were turned in by his new car, that Ferrari knows it all too well, and if he is given complete control, they can get the job done. Ford II concludes the meeting by agreeing, but those are only words.
The suits keep meddling, but after finagling a way to get around Beebe, Shelby takes Ford II for a little spin in the race car. Of course, Ford II has never been in one, and in Letts best moments, he is reduced to a quivering mess as Shelby rockets around the test area at over 200 MPH. Shelby bets that if Miles can win the 24 hours of Daytona he gets one of the rides at the 1966 Le Mans. If he loses, Ford gets Shelby’s design business, lock stock and barrel.
In one of myriad fantastic race scenes, Miles gets the job done, pushing his car to unheard of limits with deft precision, to come from behind to win. The race scenes are among the many, many places where Bale shines. Miles glee in employing his craft is palpable, and his in-car monologue lifts the scenes to another level. Lines that in lesser hands would sink like lead balloons soar. When other drivers try to pass or employ blocking techniques, Miles shouts out “Not Today, Bobby!”, or “I don’t think so!!!”, and when he needs something extra from his ride, it’s “C’mon, you beauty”, in his Cockney accent. Funny and impassioned moments pulled off by one of the best. In consecutive films, Bale gained 70 pounds to transfer himself into Texan Dick Cheney, and then became wiry Brit Ken Miles. Amazing.
Damon does quite well also as Shelby. He is as much a rebel as Miles, but he has to make compromises. It’s a difficult balance for a person, and a challenge for an actor. Damon is up to it, bringing wit, toughness and compassion to the role.
This is a bit of a paint-by-numbers studio production, so of course there is some romance. But, again, the cast elevates things. Bale, and Caitriona Balfe as his wife Mollie, have great chemistry, and in the scenes that take us away from the track and the boardroom, they make it happen. So too, does Noah Jupe as Miles son Peter. The father and son share a great bond, and Jupe’s open face and winning innocence works.
The film is long at 157 minutes, and some have complained about that. I didn’t even notice it. The movie never dragged, and it eventually heads to its conclusion in France. The race itself has as many twists and turns as the rest of the film itself, with racing and boardroom politics. Obstacle after obstacle is tossed in Miles direction, and he is up to the task.
I did not know the back story of the 1966 race and I suggest you go in to the film clean in that regard. But even if you do know the details it will work. There will be no spoilers from me about the final reel, which is about as non-standard issue as the rest of the film is. It adheres more closely to actual fact than perhaps any “based on a true story” film I have seen. Miles is a character you really root for, and I won’t reveal anything by noting that you will beg for one more stomp on the accelerator.
The movie is directed by solid veteran James Mangold, who has made films as diverse as “Girl, Interrupted” to “The Wolverine”. He does good work here, although I would say that the cast he was working with would be a bit of a dream. The period detail is excellent, and the cinematography by the highly acclaimed Phedon Papamichael is up to his standard. I will give extra bonus points to chief sound editor Don Sylvester and his team. The crackling racing sounds, with roaring shifting and clutch work, accelerate every scene.
This film has a fabulous story, written fairly pedestrianly, however with a cast that for the most part elevates the script. Its great to look at, and there are laughs and pathos as well. The generally welcome message about corporate America weighing down dreamers is only slightly heavy-handed.
“Ford V Ferrari” (it’s called “Le Mans 1966” in the rest of the world) is more than solid movie entertainment. It is a rousing film with main characters to root for…..and it has Christian Bale.
A whole lot to like in a studio standard package.
Clink Scale 8.1
