This film recounts the true story of the rivalry between automotive giants Ford and Ferrari. In the 1960s, Ferrari dominated the racing circuit, a position Ford sought to challenge. After a failed attempt to acquire Ferrari, a fierce competition ignited to win the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. Car constructor Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) is tasked with the challenging endeavor of developing a vehicle capable of competing with and ultimately defeating Ferrari. To assist him, he enlists the skilled but unconventional racing driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale). Together, they embark on a journey fraught with obstacles.
Le Mans ’66 (titled Ford v Ferrari in some markets) delivers a compelling and authentic portrayal of the 1960s and the world of motorsport. However, it unfortunately lacks some emotional depth, particularly towards its conclusion. While the significance of a particular event was known to this reviewer, those unfamiliar with the historical context may find its impact diminished. The filmmakers’ decision to portray this event as if universally known undercuts its potential dramatic impact.
Matt Damon delivers a solid performance as Carroll Shelby, but Christian Bale truly shines. Bale, known for his versatility in roles ranging from Mio’s best friend Jum-Jum to American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman, Batman, John Connor, and even Dick Cheney, brings the same commitment to this role. His physical transformation from the heavier Cheney to the lean Ken Miles is remarkable, but his internalization of the character is even more impressive. Bale fully embodies Ken Miles, delivering an Oscar-worthy performance, enhanced by the use of his natural British accent. Caitriona Balfe portrays Ken Miles’ wife, Mollie, with a compelling authenticity that sparked an interest in her lead role in the TV series Outlander.
Ford Motor Company, the central subject of the film, reportedly distanced itself from the production due to perceived inaccuracies in the screenplay. According to Ford, the depiction of CEO Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) and Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas) as antagonists was a misrepresentation. In particular, Josh Lucas’s portrayal of Leo Beebe as a manipulative figure drew criticism. While this dynamic serves the narrative effectively, its historical accuracy is debatable. This reaction from Ford may stem from a sense of discomfort with the film’s portrayal.
Director James Mangold (Logan) demonstrates a skilled command of filmmaking, but as previously mentioned, the film falters in its emotional delivery. Opportunities to connect with the audience on a deeper level are missed, resulting in a viewing experience that leans more towards a documentary style than a fully realized feature film. Commendably, the racing sequences are achieved through practical effects rather than relying heavily on CGI, with computer graphics primarily used for minor enhancements like removing unwanted elements and adding audience members.
The exceptional quality of the UHD edition significantly elevates the viewing experience. The HDR-10 color palette is stunning, particularly in scenes with twilight and low-light conditions, where HDR truly excels. A rain-soaked sequence exhibits an almost three-dimensional quality. The film demonstrably benefits from the superior presentation afforded by Ultra-HD 4K resolution and a well-implemented Dolby Atmos soundtrack, creating an immersive experience that places the viewer in the driver’s seat alongside Ken Miles. This is a powerful cinematic experience that motorsport enthusiasts, and indeed a wider audience, will find highly engaging. The package is further enhanced by an hour-long behind-the-scenes documentary that provides valuable insights into the film’s production, suggesting a renewed commitment from film companies to providing high-quality supplemental material.
In conclusion, Le Mans ’66 is a must-see film. While it may not be a flawless masterpiece due to the aforementioned shortcomings, the overall cinematic experience is exceptional. This is a film worthy of a place on your shelf, ready to provide friends with an extraordinary and thrilling home theater experience.
