Le Mans ‘66, Ford vs. Ferrari - movie

[Peter Empson]

Thanks for the heads up, just back in from watching it. I'll definitely be looking out for more of these previews.

As for the film, it was much as I imagined unfortunately. Not terrible, but unsurprisingly very 'Hollywood' and unreal feeling for such a great story which really didn't need any embellishment.

[ukaskew]

I enjoyed it. I think PH is the worst place for this sort of film as obviously the focus is going to be on the accuracy etc. Taken at face value as a film however, I thought it was enjoyable and crucially still accessible to a mainstream / non classic motorsport loving crowd.

[indigochim]

I watched it too. Thought it was enjoyable these things have to appeal to a wider audience and although I didn't take her I imagine my other half would have watched it and enjoyed it too.

[FredericRobinson]

I enjoyed it too, plenty of holes can be picked if you know the story or know anything about racing, but it was a decent evening out. Thanks for the tip-off.

[Evolved]

Likewise, just back and really enjoyed it. Sure it wasn’t shot like a documentary but had just the right mix of facts and entertainment to make it work.

Wouldn’t say it was as well done as Rush. Watched that film a few times and always enjoy it. Think Bale played a good part as Ken Miles though - quite a convincing accent, even if they did refer to a cup o’ tea too many times haha.

[Elderly]

Thanks for the heads up ukaskew .

I would rate the film as no more than ...... okay - and I'm not thinking about any story inaccuracies.

I thought that your photography at the 76MM was better .

[Phil Dicky]

Defo one for the Mrs and me, who handily likes cars

[RC1807]

Comes out in Luxembourg on Sunday, and is called "Le Mans '66"
I will be there!

[200Plus Club]

Seen it tonight, wasn't expecting much, pleasantly surprised by it.

[Jim on the hill]

Really enjoyed it, beautiful cars and wonderful sounds. Don't Care if it's accurate it's a film not a documentary.

[raceboy]

200Plus Club said:

Seen it tonight, wasn't expecting much, pleasantly surprised by it.

Think that about sums up my views after seeing it last night.
Bales Brummy accent is a bit dodgy, but not as bad as his Mrs's, Shelby's 356 Speedster is very nice, as was the Scuderia Ferrari tour.

[vixen1700]

Off to a hopefully empty Westfield cinema for the 11.30am showing. Looking forward to it.

[ukaskew]

One of those films where I'd happily watch a 2hr making of documentary. I assume many of the cars used in the action scenes were fibreglass shells on top of different running gear? (maybe some real ones shipped in for static/close up shots?)

[vixen1700]

Quite enjoyed that, and want to read up a bit on Ken Miles now.

Also came out of the cinema wanting a 289 Cobra, they looked great in every scene.

A good firm 7.5/10.

[Alex]

I have not seen this yet, but I noticed that in the US, the title is still "Ford vs. Ferrari". I wonder why they changed it for us?

[RicksAlfas]

Alex said:

I have not seen this yet, but I noticed that in the US, the title is still "Ford vs. Ferrari". I wonder why they changed it for us?

Maybe "Le Mans" doesn't mean much to many Americans, but they have all heard of Fords and Ferraris.
The problem with a film like this is attracting non-car fans to go and see it so a more general title will make it more appealing.

I'm off to see it tonight. Looking forward to it.

[Big Robbo]

Just seen it in an IMAX. It's an excellent film, regardless of a few embellishments by the makers it is a great film. Bale does a great job as Ken Miles and it's well worth a watch.

[coppice]

Bale is terrific, and I enjoyed Damon's portrayal too - he sounded like a Texan to me. Most of the racing scenes were risibly dreadful - who knew you changed down and floored it half way down the Mulsanne to overtake? Or that the Ford Mk 2 had a working speedo ? Enzo Ferrari wasn't even there in real life and the portrayal was hopelessly misread as panto villain - he was much scarier than that . ...

[unsprung]

RicksAlfas said:

Maybe "Le Mans" doesn't mean much to many Americans, but they have all heard of Fords and Ferraris.
The problem with a film like this is attracting non-car fans to go and see it so a more general title will make it more appealing.

That is correct.

If, in the US, you should title this film "Le Mans '66", you would instantly communicate the following:

for "car guys" only
niche and could be boring
possibly a documentary
Le Mans -- is this a foreign film? subtitles? too upmarket for me?

[98elise]

coppice said:

Bale is terrific, and I enjoyed Damon's portrayal too - he sounded like a Texan to me. Most of the racing scenes were risibly dreadful - who knew you changed down and floored it half way down the Mulsanne to overtake? Or that the Ford Mk 2 had a working speedo ? Enzo Ferrari wasn't even there in real life and the portrayal was hopelessly misread as panto villain - he was much scarier than that . ...

Just back from seeing it. The only thing I didn't like was the fast and furious gear shift, floor it routines.