A Legend in the Making

Don’t fret if a Google search does not bring any movie with the exact title. Fret not if you are still unsure whether I am announcing the release of any upcoming movie that nobody knows. This is going to be a discussion; more like a comparison that I felt about after watching three different movies with similar themes.

Did you watch Ford vs Ferrari, Gran Turismo, and Race for Glory: Audi vs Lancia?

Not so popular among mass people but automotive enthusiasts like me would surely never miss the opportunity to enjoy them. All three of them are based on real events, with a bit of dramatisation to spice up the interests among viewers.

So, about the movies— they have a common theme of beating the competition and gradually becoming a legend. In reality, of course, they have enormous popularity and are already beyond legendary but in the movie adaptation, how did they go? That’s what the following would be.

In Ford vs Ferrari, we’ve seen a great mastery over storytelling. It’s more like a recap of the whole events, even the subtle details are presented masterfully. From technical jargon to heart-throbbing races on tracks, the director did it really well. It’s full of emotions, struggles, and hope— for an impossible victory against the rival. War it is. Penetrated the audience’s heart with a lasting impression as if viewers were sitting in the gallery and watching the Ford crossed the finish line with utmost pride.

On the other hand, Race for Glory: Audi vs Lancia failed miserably. Seemed like a futile attempt to stitch loosely connected plots together to create something; didn’t cut through. There is no suspense and no thrill even on the track. That’s not an automotive movie that should be directed and produced. To me, it’s worse than Lamborghini: The Man Behind the Legend. Lack of emotions and a determination to strive for more have made the movie so boring.

Although the iconic scene of an Audi Quattro going through a crowd has been remade to give the essence, compared to the real scene available on YouTube, this is a joke. As if everyone on the set came straight from the bed; without having breakfast with strong coffee.

Now, a bit different, Gran Turismo is not exactly what the other two are. But it’s unique in style. I wonder how the idea of offering a simulation player the job of something like racing even came into head. Gut-wrenching I must say. Yet, we know the result. From a gaming boy to a world sensation of speed and thrill, the story is quite fascinating. And honestly, it has been presented brilliantly. Although it’s not too detailed and lacks connectivity in some events, an extended attempt to make race tracks more lively has made the movie a great piece of enjoyment both for racing enthusiasts and gamers.

In short, all three movies have extraordinary stories of becoming a legend but not every director has the charm to make them captivating. Or could it be the performers? Well, I am not a big fan of any of the artists in those movies, except for Christian Bale, nevertheless, from a neutral point of view, automotive films deserve more attention to detail and storytelling. Like The Fastest Indian, with great storytelling and capable visualisation, movies can leave lasting impressions forcing us to crave more.

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