Strap in. Put your helmet on and gird your loins. Ford
v Ferrari is an A-rated movie with a lot of zoom.
Henry Ford II (the incomparable Tracy Letts) has been
insulted by Enzo Ferrari and he’s opened his check book. He wants a Ford race
car to win the Le Mans 24 hour race. Who’s the man to do this? Carroll Shelby
(perfect performance by a spot on Matt Damon) is a racing genius. He won the Le
Mans. He designs cars. He has a vision. Who can drive a winning car? Shelby
vouches for the “difficult” Limey -Ken Miles (another genius role done by
Christian Bale). Miles breathes the air of racing. He can sense one tic, one
engine miss, one esoteric nuance that embodies a vehicle.
But within Ford you have the suits and Josh Lucas plays the
biggest jerk of all. He wants the marketing power, he wants the
limelight. Shelby says this can’t be done by committee and he takes Henry Ford II for
the ride of his life. The man is crying and gives carte blanche. Miles wins
races and proves he’s worthy of being on the team. Shelby keeps him reigned in
just enough. The movie keeps us on edge with lots of oomph as we enter Le
Mans.
Ford v Ferrari is really good and you don’t
have to know or care about racing. It’s about art vs. commerce, devotion vs.
cynicism, inspiration vs. deadness, and it involves some crazy. Men who can’t
help but be outside the box with a passion. And wow – the acting chemistry
works. The cinematography works. Your heart will accelerate as Miles shifts
through some nutso driving. And you’ll root for Ford Motor Company (America!) to win the darn race.
It’s holiday movie season and this one is a winner. Zoom
Zoom
