Like the sound of a roaring engine? A car veering down the track at top speed? Then you might enjoy Ford v Ferrari, a biopic detailing a rivalry between the two auto manufacturers. This tale specifically follows what happened as two men were assigned to design and build the fastest car in the world, and the various personal and professional difficulties and obstacles they experienced while making the dream a reality. It may not be the best film of the year, but all parties involved are devoted to telling the tale with as much authenticity as possible, making it an intriguing and interesting biopic.
In the mid-60s, US auto company Ford had been consistently bested by rivals Ferrari on the track and became desperate to defeat them at any cost, not only for pride but also to promote their company and sell cars to the public. After an attempt to buy out Ferrari and its racing team leads to even more conflict, the company heads hire manufacturer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) to take over the project. He has his own bone to pick with his competitor after being turned down for a position by them earlier in his life. Shelby enlists the help of Ken Miles (Christian Bale), a talented but temperamental driver with plenty of ideas of his own on what features the ultimate car should have. By 1966, they realize that they will have to beat the Ferrari team during competitions at Daytona, Sebring and most importantly, Le Mans.
From a story perspective, there’s nothing here that viewers won’t have seen a hundred times before. This is a story about independent spirits striving to break new ground and willing to do whatever it takes to complete the task at hand. Their techniques are extreme and it gets them into numerous scuffles with Ford executive Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas). Ken Miles’ unwillingness to compromise also leading to some family concern from his wife Mollie (Catriona Balfe) and son (Noah Jupe). Alas, Shelby’s personal life isn’t delved into quite as deeply (the man was married seven times but his numerous relationships aren’t given the same kind of onscreen attention as his work). Essentially, these are two men with specific goals who do what they are asked, but do it in their own eccentric and individualistic manner.
Even though there are no surprises and the film’s attention to historical detail leads to a somewhat long and shaggy running time, the performers are fun to watch. Whether they’re fighting with their business-minded Ford executives or each other, the men trade plenty of funny insults along the way. And it’s interesting to see just how much conflict there was between the figures and their bosses, who soon turn on Miles and add plenty of obstacles for the protagonists to overcome in addition to taking down Ferrari.
Perhaps the biggest plus this film has going for it are the racing sequences. The recreations of several 1966 events, including the 24-hour Le Mans race, feature some remarkable stunt driving and are expertly shot and edited. Viewers get a real sense of the speed and the danger involved when these vehicles are hurtling down the track and narrowly avoiding crashing into each other. On a technical level, when the cars are being pushed by the drivers to their boundaries, the movie really jolts to life.
Again, there isn’t a lot about Ford v Ferrari that fans and even newbies won’t see well ahead on the road, and it is a long journey. Still, the thrilling driving footage and performances manage to keep one engaged in the proceedings, making the film an interesting and enjoyable biopic. Those with an interest in the subject matter will likely enjoy taking this flick out for a spin around the track.