Damon, Bale steal the race in ‘Ford v Ferrari’

Posted on November 22, 2019

By MARK VIOLA

I must admit that I’ve never been a “car guy.” Most of what I know about classic cars is from watching “Fast & Loud” on Discovery. But, even I have heard of famed car designer Carroll Shelby. That, combined with some well-crafted trailers, piqued my interest in the new film, “Ford v Ferrari.”

The film recounts the true story (or as true as you can expect from a Hollywood production) of the rivalry between Ford Motor Company and Ferrari in the lead up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966. Although the rivalry between the companies’ executives — Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts, “The Post”) and Enzo Ferrari (“All You Ever Wished For”) — is enough fodder for its own movie, “Ford v Ferrari” keeps its focus closer to ground.

Instead, it follows Shelby (Matt Damon, “The Martian”) and racer Ken Miles (Christian Bale, “The Dark Knight”) as they work to design a car for Ford that has a chance of beating Ferrari in the celebrated race. Along  the way, they will have to battle not only the technological issues in front of them, but also a corporate climate in which they’re second-guessed every step of the way by guys in suits.

The film is directed by James Mangold (“Walk the Line,” “Logan”), who manages to make the scenes of Carroll and Miles overcoming design issues nearly as interesting as the racing itself. Running in at two and a half hours, there is a lot of movie here, but it rarely drags, because we are invested in the characters and the underdog story being told.

Subscribe to our e-Edition and read the rest of the story. Already a subscriber? Click here to sign in.