Film: F1: The Movie
Cast: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem,
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes
Rating: * * * 1 / 2
Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously directed the Top Gun sequel a few years back, F1: The Movie features a sportsperson (can a Formula 1 driver truly be referred to as a 'sportsperson'?) returning from retirement in pursuit of glory. While the premise may not seem particularly original, it is the storytelling that sustains this film throughout a significant portion of its 155-minute runtime. The narrative is quite familiar, yet, similar to his approach in Top Gun: Maverick, Kosinski adheres to the fundamentals of film making in generating excitement - sometimes cinema is more about the manner in which events unfold rather than merely what transpires on screen. Remember, in Top Gun, they did not even bother to establish the credentials of the enemy nation, yet they still crafted a gripping thriller.
F1 is a formulaic film centred around Formula 1 racing, and it certainly delivers on the action front. Additionally, a film that begins with Jimmy Page's riffs ('Whole Lotta Love') can't go wrong. The opening features a race sequence at Daytona set to the classic Led Zeppelin track. Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) once raced alongside Ayrton Senna and Schumacher until he decided to retire. Now, he occasionally participates in races just for enjoyment. Javier Bardem portrays his old friend Ruben, the owner of an F1 team that is currently underperforming. He is also in financial trouble and, as a last-ditch effort, persuades Sonny to join the team. Sonny is referred to as an 'old man' from the 90s, and he carries a rather smug attitude.
The APX team has a rookie yet skilled driver, Joshua (Damson Idris), who embodies the exuberance of youth, which can be both advantageous and detrimental. His manager is preoccupied ?with securing sponsorships, hosting parties, and amassing social media followers. Sonny advises him that all of this is merely 'noise' and emphasises the importance of concentrating on racing. Unsurprisingly, their relationship is fraught with turbulence and has its fair share of highs and lows.
The film effectively highlights various aspects - ranging from human elements to technical components. Kate (Kate Condon) serves as the technical director responsible for designing the car and seeks enhancements in the design to improve performance, even if only by a fraction of a second. Ultimately, F1 racing revolves around the car as much as it does around the driver.
There are nine races left in the season for APX to make or break and Sonny has an important role to play in the scheme of things. The action transitions from Silverstone to Abu Dhabi, showcasing an eventful outing both on and off the tracks. There is a notable amount of flirtation between the driver and the designer, primarily initiated by the driver.
Similar to Tom Cruise in a fighter jet, Brad Pitt takes command in the driver's seat. For those who perceive Formula 1 racing as merely cars circling a track, the film provides valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes activities and the level of technological advancement involved. The involvement of Lewis Hamilton as a co-producer helps, and he makes a cameo appearance alongside other real-life figures from the world of Formula 1.
Evidently, significant planning and attention to detail were required for filming the race sequences and the subsequent editing. Claudio Miranda's cinematography (who also worked on Top Gun: Maverick) captures the action through close-ups, aerial shots, and various angles. The editing, executed by Oscar winner Stephen Mirrione, enhances the footage with clever cuts making F1:The Movie a fun outing at the cinemas.