“Ford v Ferrari” (2019), directed by James Mangold, is a biographical sports drama that depicts the real-life rivalry between the American automaker Ford Motor Company and the Italian luxury car manufacturer Ferrari. The film centers around the development of the Ford GT40, a car designed to defeat Ferrari at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans race in the 1960s.
Plot Summary
Set in the early 1960s, the story follows the efforts of Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon), a former race car driver turned car designer, and his team of engineers, including Ken Miles (Christian Bale), a hot-tempered and brilliant British driver, as they work to build a car capable of defeating Ferrari at Le Mans. The motivation behind this ambitious project is driven by Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts), the president of Ford, who wants to enhance his company’s image by proving that American cars can compete with the European dominance in motorsports.
Ford’s initial interest in racing stems from his desire to buy Ferrari, but after a humiliating negotiation that ends with Ferrari refusing to sell, Ford decides to take on Ferrari at the world’s most famous endurance race. Shelby, who has the racing pedigree and connections, is brought in to design and build the Ford GT40, while Ken Miles, a talented but abrasive driver, is recruited to test and race the car.
As the Ford team faces numerous technical and logistical challenges, tensions rise between Shelby and Ford, particularly as the company’s executives push for a more commercially successful product rather than focusing on performance. Meanwhile, the relationship between Shelby and Miles grows complex, as Miles is at odds with both Ford and the racing establishment, but is also deeply passionate about the sport and committed to winning.
Ultimately, the film culminates in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, where the Ford GT40 faces off against Ferrari, and the team’s efforts come to fruition, achieving a historic victory. However, the film also highlights the personal sacrifices, struggles, and frustrations that both Shelby and Miles face in the pursuit of racing glory.
Themes
The film explores several key themes, such as:
- Perseverance and Innovation: A central theme of the film is the determination of Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles to innovate and push the boundaries of automotive design and racing. The film emphasizes how innovation often comes at great personal cost, and the resilience required to overcome setbacks.
- Friendship and Loyalty: The film delves into the complex and evolving friendship between Shelby and Miles. Although their personalities and methods differ, their mutual respect and loyalty to each other and their shared passion for racing are central to the narrative.
- Corporate Control vs. Artistic Vision: A recurring conflict in the movie is the tension between the corporate executives at Ford, who are focused on profits and image, and the engineering team, led by Shelby and Miles, who are dedicated to performance and the thrill of racing. This tension drives much of the conflict in the film.
- Underdog Spirit: The rivalry between Ford and Ferrari also encapsulates the theme of the underdog. Ford, a company known for producing mass-market vehicles, takes on Ferrari, a symbol of precision and elite sports cars, highlighting the struggle of the underdog trying to prove itself against a more established opponent.
- Sacrifice and Legacy: The film also explores the personal costs of the pursuit of greatness. Both Shelby and Miles make significant sacrifices for their work, including time away from family, physical injuries, and emotional tolls. The film raises questions about what is gained and lost in the pursuit of a legacy.
Cast and Characters
- Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby: A former race car driver who becomes a car designer. Shelby is an innovative and ambitious individual who navigates the corporate pressures of Ford while balancing his personal vision for racing.
- Christian Bale as Ken Miles: A talented but eccentric British race car driver who becomes the driver for the Ford team. Miles is passionate about racing and often clashes with Ford executives, but his dedication to the sport is undeniable.
- Jon Bernthal as Lee Iacocca: A Ford executive who is a key figure in the decision to bring Shelby and Miles onto the project. He is portrayed as a savvy and ambitious businessman who recognizes the potential of the GT40.
- Tracy Letts as Henry Ford II: The president of Ford Motor Company, whose personal desire to beat Ferrari drives much of the film’s plot. His complex relationship with Shelby and the Ford team represents the corporate struggle in the face of a passion-driven project.
- Caitriona Balfe as Mollie Miles: Ken Miles’ supportive but concerned wife, who plays an important role in his life both on and off the track.
- Noah Jupe as Peter Miles: Ken Miles’ young son, who shares his father’s love for cars and motorsport. His relationship with Ken adds an emotional layer to the film, highlighting the familial sacrifices involved in Ken’s racing career.
- Remo Girone as Enzo Ferrari: The founder of Ferrari, who is depicted as a highly competitive and proud figure in the film. His rivalry with Ford serves as the catalyst for the conflict.
Style and Tone
Ford v Ferrari is a gritty, character-driven drama that mixes elements of sports, biography, and action. The film focuses on the personal struggles of its central characters and their determination to defy the odds. James Mangold, known for his work on films like Logan (2017), directs with a focus on emotional depth and suspense, balancing fast-paced race sequences with quieter, more intimate character moments.
The racing scenes are exhilarating, with intense and visceral cinematography that puts the audience in the driver’s seat, allowing them to experience the thrill of the high-speed race. The film also emphasizes the contrast between the raw energy of racing and the calm determination of the characters involved.
The tone of the film is largely inspirational and upbeat, with moments of humor and camaraderie. However, it also has a more serious undercurrent that explores the cost of pursuing victory at all costs, especially when corporate interests clash with personal ambition.
Reception
Ford v Ferrari received critical acclaim, particularly for the performances of Matt Damon and Christian Bale, both of whom were praised for their portrayals of iconic real-life figures. Bale, in particular, was lauded for his embodiment of Ken Miles, capturing the character’s intensity, charm, and inner turmoil. The film was also praised for its cinematography, editing, and action sequences, which brought the adrenaline-fueled world of motorsport to life.
The film earned several award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Film Editing at the Academy Awards. Christian Bale received a Best Supporting Actor nomination, and the film won Best Editing. It also garnered a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Drama.
The film’s success at the box office and with critics reflected its universal appeal, combining elements of sports drama, biography, and inspiration in a compelling and engaging package.
Conclusion
Ford v Ferrari (2019) is a gripping and emotional exploration of the rivalry between two automotive giants, told through the lens of the men who made it possible. With strong performances by Matt Damon and Christian Bale, outstanding direction by James Mangold, and a captivating story of perseverance, innovation, and friendship, the film has become a modern classic in the sports drama genre. It resonates not just with fans of racing, but also with anyone who understands the dedication and sacrifices required to achieve greatness.
