Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been into cars. For example when I was 15 years old, I bought my first used car, and for me it was a symbol of freedom and self independence. I could go anywhere I wanted, and I was able to modify my own car with great pride, in the tiny 1.6 L engine, five speed manual transmission, with no tachometer. The extreme pride I had and being able to shift my car simply by hearing the engine.
Fast forward into the present day. I actually really enjoy racing films. The speed the drama, and Ford versus Ferrari is a great underdog story. As an American, I love it.
Follow the actors
Ever since the Batman movie, I’ve always been a huge Christian Bale fan. I really think hes one of the best actors of all time. Also, I’ve been impressed by the longevity of Matt Damon. He is also a phenomenal actor. The chemistry between Christian Bale and Matt Damon is great. To watch a film with two great actors going at it is very impressive, and fun.
I also get the sense that the Director really wanted to make the film, because he really is passionate about the story, and racing in general.
I also get the sense that this film wasn’t made in order to make a lot of money, but rather, to tell a great story.
Very good cinematography
In terms of cinematography, the film is great. Great spacing between the actors, great camera work, and also great performances of Henry Ford the second, the sleazy marketing guy, and the guy who kind of looks like Tom Hardy, who believes in the mission of Carroll Shelby.
The character of Ken Miles by Christian Bale is also great. A true genuine British portrayal, as I believe that Christian Bale is actually British.
What is the moral of the story?
The moral of the story is a good one: don’t compromise. Don’t strive to please the guys, the suits, or those in charge in order to make money. We learn in the film that Ken Miles was robbed of a victory, on a technicality, because he listen to the marketing guy slow down to finish the three fords for a good photo. But if you think about history, nobody knows that picture. Rather, the headline of the newspaper was that McLaren won the Le Mans race, not Ken miles and Ford.
The philosophy of man and machine
Another interesting notion in the film is the notion of man and machine. How there becomes a symbiosis between man and machine, in which you just become like a body through moving space and time.
I think the closest notion I know is the notion of the Japanese archery, in which the Japanese archer and horse become one.
For myself personally, the closest experience I have is when I become one when I’m blogging. When me and the laptop become one.
Ultimately it isn’t about the machine, it is about the man. Compare this to the Silicon Valley nerdery that is going on now, which they prioritize the machine over the man.