I think it’s worth mentioning in the interest of this review that I have zero interest in the subject of the automobile. I’ve always seen them as simply a way to get from point A to point B and not much else. It’s a testament to the craftsmanship of the new film, Ford V. Ferrari, that I enjoyed it as much as I did. When a film such as this is able to take a subject that one has no enthusiasm for and keeps them engaged for two and a half hours then it’s a testament to the skill of the filmmaker. Ford V. Ferrari did just that with its recounting of the true story of the 1966 24 hour race in Le Mans and how the Ford Motor Company came to play such a large role in that race.
Matt Damon & Christian Bale in Ford V. Ferrari
Oscar winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale are perfectly cast as, respectively, car designer Carroll Shelby and British racer, Ken Miles. When Ferrari balks at the Ford Motor Company’s attempts to buy them out, Henry Ford II (the always compelling Tracy Letts), finds himself on a quest to create a car that will bury them at Le Mans. Shelby and Miles are then recruited to use their skill to do just that, unaware of the bureaucracy that will stand in their way.
Director James Mangold stages the film thrillingly and there are many great set pieces contained therein. It’s a story well told.
Ford V. Ferrari is playing everywhere.
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