I have to admit that some of the car talk in Ford v Ferrari went right over my head. I do not know the names of old style cars, the owners of the main car companies, or famous race car drivers. But nonetheless, the film was more than enjoyable and I felt like it was a great use of my time, even though it is nearly three hours long.
The film is directed by James Mangold and stars Matt Damon (Carroll Shelby), Christian Bale (Ken Miles), Jon Bernthal (Lee Iacocca), and Noah Jupe (Peter Miles), among others. The accents stole my attention right away. I thought that Ken Miles was supposed to be Australian, but it turns out that he is actually British. It was also interesting to hear Damon speak with a country accent when I am used to his normal Boston vernacular. A country, race car driving Will Hunting? Yes please.
I watched this film with my mother who usually falls asleep during every movie, even Harry Potter. However, I am proud to report that she did not fall asleep during this movie. She watched the entire thing in one go. That says something in itself.
Jupe steals the show! He competes head on with Damon and Bale to make this film a sort of masterclass in acting. I am not surprised because Jupe dominates films like Honey Boy (2019), A Quiet Place (2018 & 2020), and Suburbicon (2017). All of the scenes he is in are powerful and the relationships between the characters feel tangible. He had great comedic and dramatic timing.
Overall, the dialogue is so well written that it feels conversational. There is a sort of tune to the conversations that make them feel like music. The words sound like art. The words showcase banter, humility, arrogance, and the stark differences between each of the characters. To keep it short, I recommend watching this movie. It’s full of life lessons, encouragement, friendly jokes, and the most important part of life: our relationships with the people around us.
I think it only makes sense to acknowledge the writers of the film for their fantastic work in storytelling: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and Jason Keller.
Favorite Quote
“There’s a point – 7000 RPM – where everything fades. When your seeing becomes weightless, just disappears. And all that’s left is a body moving through space and time. 7000 RPM that’s where you meet it. Can I ask you a question? The only question that matters. Who are you?“
Aloha Arianna 