They will need a pretty big budget if they're going to build a bunch of 50s and 60s F1 car replicas. It's either that or go CG, which probably wouldn't work. I won't be surprised if nothing comes of it. Most people in the USA haven't even heard of Phil Hill. Of course I would pay to see it. (I recently crushed the opposition in airline onboard trivia with the question of what American won the F1 world championship in '61. Nobody else answered correctly, while I scored maximum points.)
Seriously, I expect them to exaggerate the racing. They're gonna show tons of crashes, people stepping on the throttle while they're already going flat out on a straight, shifting 24325252 times and them finishing milimeters ahead of one another to decide the winner.
+1,000...the days of "Le Mans" and "Grand Prix" are long gone. Maybe it will be similar to "Sea Biscuit", but I have my doubts.
Sorry, but I just wanted to bring up "Le Mans" and "Grand Prix" as examples for bad racing movies. I know people on here adore them, but as real movies they plain suck and even as racing movies they leave a lot of realism to be desired. But then again I openly stated that I liked Driven. And "Michel Vaillant" the movie, which I really recommend highly to everybody. I wonder whether the one and only 156 F1 replica in existance will be used for the movie. You know the one from "La Passione" (belongs to Chris Rea?).
Well, the story line and plot development did suck arse, but both movies were more about the cars. Perhaps it's the spectre of seeing racers from a bygone era on screen that endears us to these movies (they were never commercial successes in their time, iirc). I think the question of racing movies will always be is 'it about the car or the story'? Car enthusiasts will want an authentic full representation of machine. Movie buffs will insist a well-developed storyline with strong characters will propel any movie (I hate to use it as an example, but "Titanic" employing a romantic tragedy as it's base storyline drove it to immense popularity). Again, this could be the next "Sea Biscuit" from that standpoint. For the record, I like Le Mans because it almost felt like someone turned on a handy cam and filmed aimlessly. In a way, the lack of story gives you the freedom to watch without expectation. You see the crowds, you see the 70's fashion, hear vintage machines in their prime, see Ferrari acting cutthroat (a little) and have a little race drama at the end.
All very well put. Critics tore "Le Mans" apart. And they were right. As a movie it sucks badly. As a semi documentary of racing at the time, it is ok. Exact the same two points can be made about "Grand Prix". At least both movies ventured into new technical territory (Le Mans with the stutter cut and GP with the caleidoscope picture effects). But as movies they are trash. PS: Do yourself a favor and get a copy of "Michel Vaillant". Seriously. If nothing else it is (like a Bond movie) tremendous eye candy.
Tried to find it on Netflix to no avail. Saw it on the imdb register (highly rated), but not certain where to find it in stock. I'll check around though.
Personally I think Harvey Keitel would make a good Enzo... just take a few minutes and think of him in Enzo's place. He has the proper gravity to carry himself as the legendary Enzo, IMHO. Frank p.s. I cant help but think of mini-me playing Bernie Ecclestone in a 70s, 80s, 90s F1 picture (I can't stop smiling at the image in my mind...sorry, couldn't resist)
Honestly, those movies all put me to sleep. I'd almost rather watch the crap fest that was Driven, at least then I wouldn't fall asleep so easily, I'd have things to laugh at.
Uh, my bad: It might not be around here. I brought my copy from Europe. If nothing else Driven has Geena Gershan going for it.
