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For decades now film-makers have tried to capture the essence of Formula One in movies and documentaries. While the topic itself is quite intriguing, not all the movies have gone down well with the audiences. A new documentary, “1″, was released recently, which depicts the previous lack of safety in Formula One and how things changed gradually to ensure that driver safety became a prominent issue in the sport.
Here’s a list of top 5 movies to be made on the sport of Formula One.
5. Weekend of a Champion (1972)
The movie is about how World Champion Jackie Stewart prepared for the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix. Roman Polanski, a friend of Stewart, spent a weekend with driver both on and off track during the three-day race weekend. Polanski and Frand Simon, the directors of the movie, depicts a glimpse into the life of Stewart who was then in the prime of his racing career.
Stewart’s lapping on the Monaco circuit, his take on each and every turn, and the dramatic and visceral footage of the actual race are the highlights of the movie. The movie was showcased in a special screening in 2012/13 with additions wherein Polanski and Stewart discuss Formula One and the issues that revolved around the sport then and now.
4. One by One (1975)/The Quick and the Dead (1978)/Champions Forever
‘One by One’ / ‘The Quick and the Dead’ film poster
This is a gripping documentary on racing and speed in Formula One. The movie has quite a few disturbing images of crashes that took place in the 1970s, and brings out the fact that it took courage to drive in Formula One in that era. There are interviews of racers like Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda.
Originally released as ‘One by One’ in 1975, the movie had an intriguing poster with names and photographs of racers accompanied by the word “Killed”, and a red background signifying the dangers of racing in a Grand Prix. The movie was released under the name ‘The Quick and the Dead’ in 1978, with the addition of another horrifying accident showing racer Tom Pryce at the 1977 South African Grand Prix crashing into a race marshal in which both were killed. The movie was also later re-released under the name ‘Champions Forever: The Formula One Drivers’. This one is only recommended for people with a strong heart.
3. Grand Prix (1966)
Movie poster of ‘Grand Prix’
This one is a cult classic and a cinematic (fictionalized) version of the 1966 season. The movie is about Pete Aron and three other drivers as they go about their efforts to win the Championship. The romantic hook-ups of these drivers are also depicted in the movie, along with the risks that were involved in racing in those days, with accidents being part of almost every race.
Director John Frankenheimer used actual racing footage and was able to show daring sequences of Formula One cars involved in crashes. He also used the services of drivers Phil Hill, Graham Hill, Jim Clark and Jack Brabham to add an exciting dimension to the movie with real life drivers. The movie was a box office hit and also won three Academy awards.
2. Rush (2013)
Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl star in ‘Rush’
‘Rush’, among the most recent movies to be released on Formula One, is about one of the most brutal rivalries the sport has ever witnessed. The movie progresses through the lives of James Hunt and Niki Lauda, who are very different drivers, and their approach to racing. Hunt is an on-the-edge kind of a driver and has a playboy image, while Lauda is a methodical, focused and fiercely competitive driver.
The movie revolves around their rivalry for the Championship battle in 1976, and shows how both are ready to risk their lives to be crowned World Champion. The movie was appreciated for its cinematography and the performances of both the actors playing Lauda and Hunt, for their excellent portrayal of real life characters. ‘Rush’ was recently nominated for the BAFTA awards.
1. Senna (2010)
Poster of ‘Senna’
This one is an epic documentary based on the legendary and arguably the best driver in Formula One history – three-time world champion Ayrton Senna. With status only next to God in Brazil and adored by millions of racing fans, Senna is revered and remembered even years after his tragic death.
The documentary is a masterpiece that focuses on Senna’s life from the 1980s, his struggles and tribulations, his arch rivalry with another champion Alain Prost, the ill-fated accident, and his personal life. This is one flick that will keep you spell-bound, give an insight into the life of a charismatic racing driver and in all likelihood leave you with misty eyes by the end of it. The documentary won many awards such as the BAFTA award, and remains the best one Formula One movie till date.
