Rating of
3/4
Modern-Day Gladiators Race and Fall
Chris Kavan - wrote on 01/17/14
Having seen Senna and Rush already, you would think that the story of Formula 1 has been told. But 1 takes a broader view of this sport - and the evolution from one of the most dangerous sports in the world - where, at one time, a driver was dying literally every time a race was held - to the way the sport has changed not only the safety in Formula 1, but extended through everyday life.
Michael Fassbender is a good choice for the narrator - as he has the stately manner needed that brings that bit of gravitas to an already-interesting history. The documentary has some great interview subjects, from the cocky and safety-adverse Nicky Ickx to one of the subjects of Rush, the incomparable Niki Lauda as well as Freddie Hunt - son of James Hunt. But the film also does a great job of crossing generation, with the likes of greats Jackie Stewart and Mario Andretti to recent legends-in-training Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton. Thought the documentary is more or less chronological - it is both heartfelt and heartbreaking to see just how much had to be sacrificed to get to where we are today.
The film often compares Formula 1 drivers to ancient gladiators, and I feel this is a very apt analogy. Seeing some of the fallen warriors on screen - Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt and Ayrton Senna are just some of the racers who paid the ultimate price. But though it may have taken a bit longer than expected, safety measures were greatly improved - and these impacted not just Formula 1, but helped the general population (crash tests) as well as providing better safety for racing in general. It's a fascinating, but often painful journey. One has to wonder what took so long to implement such improvements and how many unnecessary deaths would have been prevented had these changed been brought about sooner.
Aside from the interviews and history - I really loved the soundtrack. It was a great mix of classic rock (good period pieces) and what I see as some serious race music - the kind that gets you pumped up. I don't know if entire soundtrack will be up everyone's alley, but for me the music matched the action and is probably one of my favorite soundtracks for the year.
You don't have to be a huge Formula 1 fan to like this documentary. There is insight and there is heart here. If you have seen Senna and Rush - this film makes a great trifecta that really creates a well-rounded history of Formula 1. And believe me - this is one sport that lives up to its reputation, and this is one documentary that doesn't shy away from the story - good times and bad.
