by John Frankenheimer The 1966 Formula 1 epic film “Grand Prix” kicks ass a lot. This movie tear up the law book of filmmaking when it was made, and the film is better because of it. It’s three hours of beautifully shot, perfectly acted, and powerful storytelling. As a work of art, it’s a bit clunky, overlong, and slow in places, but every time the cars appear on screen, you’ll staring into the face of God. The cinematography created for this film changed the course of Hollywood historyAnd Its pioneering techniques are still used today..
What’s your favorite car chase scene in movies from the last fifty years? This one was influenced by the work Frankenheimer did in “Grand Prix.” You can bet on it.
Not only is this my favorite car movie, it’s my second favorite movie of all time (“Jurassic Park” can’t be beat). It’s visually captivating in a way that no other movie of its time, or since, has been. And that cast! James Garner, Eva Marie Saint, Yves Montand, Jessica Walter, Françoise Hardy, Toshiro Mifune, it’s incredible.
Ability my favorite channel on youtube these days, Patrick (H) Willemsposted Thursday afternoon an analysis of “Grand Prix” and why it’s so great. Patrick isn’t a car guy, and has never owned one, but something drew him to this passionate and inimitable piece of cinematic history.
It’s appropriate to discuss “Grand Prix” now, as the sport of motorsport seems to have captured Hollywood’s attention with recent achievements including “The Wick,” “Ford vs. Ferrari,” and “Ferrari,” as well as Brad Pitt’s upcoming blockbuster F1 movie “F1.” Could “F1” be a modern-day “Grand Prix”?
Anyway, this 42-minute video essay about one of the greatest movies on planet Earth (slight exaggeration, but I love it) is worth watching. Whether you’re a movie buff or a car fan or both, you need to see “Grand Prix”. If you haven’t seen it before, stop what you’re doing and go see it. After you’re done, watch Patrick’s video above. You won’t regret it either.
