Brad Pitt’s ‘F1: The Movie’ delivers an exhilarating and technically brilliant portrayal of Formula One racing, yet it struggles to engage viewers on an emotional level.
A Masterclass in Visuals
Director Joseph Kosinski truly speaks the language of speed. The film captivates with sweeping camera work, immersive cockpit perspectives, and a compelling score by Hans Zimmer. It captures the raw energy and kinetic intensity of F1 like never before.
Claudio Miranda’s cinematography stands out, a testament to the collaboration with F1 engineers and teams who rigged actual race cars with cameras. This unique approach means viewers aren’t just watching a race; they’re experiencing every turn and tension-filled moment from within the action.
The final race sequence is a highlight, showcasing masterful action choreography. Seamless transitions between various camera angles create an epic finish that grips the audience. It’s a pure love letter to the sport, leaving fiction behind to celebrate the thrill of F1.
Brad Pitt Behind the Wheel
Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired driver brought back to mentor a rising star in the fictional APXGP team. Pitt brings seasoned gravitas to Hayes, particularly when he’s in the race car. He embodies the weathered veteran trying to outrun his past.
However, the script often gives Pitt little more than recycled sports film wisdom to deliver. While his presence is magnetic, the story rarely provides the depth needed for his character to truly shine outside the cockpit.
Where the Story Stalls
Despite its technical brilliance, the film’s emotional core feels underdeveloped. The narrative follows a familiar sports redemption arc: a broken hero gets a second chance, leading to a triumphant return. This path offers comfort but lacks any real surprise or sharp insight.
The drama is often formulaic, failing to create the deep character connections seen in other racing films like ‘Rush’ or ‘Ford v Ferrari’. Characters frequently serve a purpose in the plot rather than evolving into fully realized individuals. Dialogue often relies on exposition and clichés, sometimes stifling moments of genuine sincerity.
A Look at Representation
‘F1: The Movie’ makes strides in some areas of representation, like including real-world drivers in cameos. The fictional APXGP team, built on real F2 infrastructure, reflects F1’s ambition for greater accessibility.
However, the portrayal of women is a glaring blind spot. Kerry Condon’s character, Kate McKenna, F1’s first female Technical Director, is initially introduced as a sharp strategist. Yet, the script soon reduces her authority, relegating her to a background figure and eventually a love interest. This feels regressive, especially when F1 itself is actively working to promote female talent.
The Final Lap
‘F1: The Movie’ delivers an unforgettable spectacle but falls short on emotional depth. It captures the speed, the sound, and the smoke of Formula 1 brilliantly. For fans, it’s a powerful reminder of why they love the sport.
For newcomers, it offers a focused close-up, though not the full emotional picture. Ultimately, it’s a powerful piece of image-making for F1, but it sometimes misses the crucial silence and reflection that give true meaning to the roar of the engines.
- Technically groundbreaking cinematography makes viewers feel part of the race.
- Brad Pitt delivers a strong performance, especially behind the wheel.
- Narrative and character development are largely formulaic and lack emotional depth.
- Portrayal of female characters is criticized as underdeveloped and regressive.
