Ford v Ferrari (Review & Commentary)

Transcribed directly from an audio recording

I just saw Ford v Ferrari last night on IMAX and I wanted to do a quick review. I’m going to keep this super simple because the film is simply excellent. Truthfully, it’s probably one of the best films I’ve seen in the past half-decade. Obviously, this is a racing film, but this film is appropriate for any audience. You have more than enough substance to satisfy anyone. It would be really hard for me to critique this film in any way. If I did, I simply would be nitpicking minor anachronisms or small details. The acting is phenomenal across the board. There’s not one weak link out of the entire cast. Everybody does a terrific job, especially Christian Bale and Matt Damon. Both of these actors stand out, but not by much, because truthfully, there isn’t a weak performance in this film, even from the young man portraying Christian Bale’s son. The film was shot beautifully and the set design is amazing. It’s simply gorgeous to watch. The set design and attention to detail are in top form here. The film paces itself really well, and even though you have a two-and-a-half-hour film, it keeps you engaged the entire time. There aren’t any lulls or moments in which you will feel bored or disengaged from the story. This film keeps you highly invested and is quite emotionally charged. You will be on the edge of your seat for most of it. You’ll be laughing, cheering and in tears in moments of the film. I am usually highly critical of most films and even with an eye for detail and plentiful experience with cinema, this one really works. It’s a perfect example of a combination of things done well. This film is lighting in a bottle and any criticism will be hard to find. Definitely one of the best, if not the best films of 2019.

IMAX

On another note, I watched this film on IMAX which made a huge impact. This film is designed to be seen in larger formats, especially IMAX. The depth, the colour, the action, everything is amplified by seeing this on IMAX. For films like this, I love this format. I was back-row-middle, and let me tell you, for films like this, there is simply isn’t a better cinema viewing experience. There are particular films these days that utilize this format so well. I’ve seen First Man, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mission Impossible 5, and this film on IMAX and all of those films were the ultimate viewing experience. There are particular films that IMAX does well for. If the film is shot well with a sense of practicality and scale, IMAX is the format to watch them in. I try to avoid any CGI heavy films when choosing the IMAX format because the format, unfortunately, amplifies the “fake” world you’re trying to get engaged in. In my opinion, it does a disservice to those types of films. I’ve recently seen Venom and Aquaman on the IMAX format, and for those films, in particular, the larger format of IMAX really amplifies the “fakeness” of the world. Practical films, however, have a different sensation. Watching the first scene in First Man, or the Wembley Stadium scene in Bohemian Rhapsody really helps you immerse yourself in the film. Even watching Tom Cruise dangling from a helicopter in Mission Impossible 5 is breathtaking. On top of the excellent scale and definition onscreen, you get the optimal brightness and clarity of picture. The sound quality, especially for sound driven films is unbelievably outstanding. What I enjoy the most though, is the seating configuration of a premium IMAX theatre. When you’re sitting back-row-middle and looking directly at the screen, there simply is no better viewing experience. The IMAX seating is situated closer to the screen in a wider arrangement versus the elongation of most theatres. It really means that most seating in the theatre is excellent. Perhaps not the first couple of rows given that they are so close to the screen, but I’d say at least seventy percent of the IMAX participants are getting a great experience. For my money, I think the IMAX in Seattle at the Science Center or the IMAX in Victoria at the Museum are the best theatres in the world. Comfortable seating, great snacks and an epic viewing experience for particular films that benefit from the grandeur of IMAX.

The Cinema

Since film rental establishments have become obsolete and streaming platforms have gained massive popularity, there is a common debate on how to watch films. The streaming advocates are constantly selling you on the quality of ready-to-view material, which I agree with. There are plenty of streaming platforms that I am subscribed to which offer premium viewing. There are a lot of legendary directors and actors creating their films and shows for the streaming audience. In the past few years, we’ve seen a drastic improvement in the material found online. With new services like Disney+ and other services that have been around a while like Netflix, you’re going to find quality entertainment from the comfort of your living room. On this exact note, films like The Irishman and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle are prime examples of films that ten to fifteen years ago would have been in theatres and yet, they received a limit (and even non-existent) theatre run and were designed specifically for the streaming platform. Bottom line, streaming has improved drastically over the past five years and the quality of selection be it show or film, is phenomenal. I know personally, I’m subscribed to several streaming platforms and some of those platforms specifically for a single show. YouTube comes to mind, given that I subscribe to the premium offering so that I can access Cobra Kai. An excellent continuation of The Karate Kid story which I’ll cover in another segment. With all of this said, however, I am still a huge fan of cinema and will always prefer to get out of the house to watch films on the big screen. This film is a prime example of why you need to get out of the house, spend twenty bucks and enjoy yourself at the cinema. A film like this loses its scale and depth when you watch it at home. I’m not saying that this will be a bad viewing experience at home, because, bottom line this film is phenomenal, but it’s one of those films made for the big screen. At the end of the day, I go to the cinema because I enjoy the audience and scale. I enjoy the audience’s reaction. This is almost more enjoyable than any film for me. You go to get an experience. You get some delicious popcorn and junk food and you enjoy the film with fifty or so folks in the audience. Feeling their reaction to humour, drama or tension is exhilarating. You’re sharing the moment with these fifty other souls and it’s magical. The film is elevated with this communal viewing experience. This is why I prefer to see films on opening night or even pre-opening night. I hopefully get to avoid any spoilers and experience a film before the wave of noise comes out online about it. I get to experience the initial reaction of the audience on the first night. I often enjoy seeing films on opening night and then watching it again in about a week to see how much the audience reaction has changed with all of the spoilers online and the “cat out of the bag” as it were. For highly enjoyable or important films, I will often see them three times in theatres. Once on opening night, once about a week later and then a few weeks later near the end of its run. I can tell you firsthand that the audience reaction is different all three times. Even the geographical location affects the audience’s reaction. If I happen to watch a film in Richmond at the family dominant theatre versus the adult-only theatre in Kits versus a rural area, the reaction is always different. Bottom line is this, are there exceptional selections on streaming platforms for both shows and films, YES. In fact, the bar has been significantly raised for selections on these platforms and that will continue to flourish in the coming years. Streaming services will continue to offer the best of the best in regard to selection and quality. With that said, films like Ford v Ferrari are prime examples of why people need to go to the cinema. The amount of workmanship and care for detail are well worth it. 2019 has been a phenomenal year for cinema and we’ve seen some excellent films. The mid-two thousands was a tough time for cinema and films were hit or miss but today, especially in the past several years, we’ve had a lot of home runs. The quality of cinematic films, especially this year, is raising the bar and giving people a reason to get out of the house. You know, several years ago, when streaming services didn’t exist and the cinema was your only place to see these types of selections, it felt that Hollywood, in particular, was getting a little lazy. But now with streaming platforms available, Hollywood filmmakers have had to up their game and give audiences reasons to get out. People like Quentin Tarantino, Tom Cruise and others are certainly rising to the occasion and giving audience bang for their buck. I’m excited to continue seeing quality films that give audiences reasons to come out. I’m also excited for filmmakers that push the boundaries and provide a quality of workmanship that is valuable and worth the money. Films like Ford v Ferrari are well worth the money and effort.

Conclusion

What can I say? This film is just great. Beautifully shot, wonderfully acted, brilliant set design and engaging. This is a film for the big screen and well worth your bucks. It’s interesting, this year we’ve seen two film that take place in Los Angeles in the mid-to-late sixties. Two completely different directors with different films, but it’s pretty cool to witness the sixties in L.A. in the same year of film. I have a special acknowledgement for Christian Bale in this film. All the performances are great, but Bale’s is extra special. He lost something like sixty or seventy pounds to get in shape for this film after playing Dick Cheney six or seven months ago. He looks lean and portrayed Ken Miles beautifully. It’s a great performance and will probably get an Oscar nod. I’m cheering for Joaquin to win for Joker, but this performance is going to be hard to beat. Wonderful acting by Bale who is just a great actor in general with a career of top-tiered performances. I’m not always a fan of Matt Damon, but he also has a great performance in this. Not to say that I dislike Matt Damon in any way, but I’m not his biggest fan. That being said, some of his performances, especially this one are very notable. In regard to accuracy, this film handles that well. I’d say it’s about ninety-seven to ninety-eight percent accurate. A couple of anachronisms, but nothing overly noticeable and it’s all handled really well. This is not a film that suffers from a Hollywoodization. They handle the source material with respect and diligence. Go out and see this picture in IMAX. A phenomenal job by all those involved. Thanks for tuning in and I’ll catch you next time.