This is the newest addition to my classics collection. Recently released on DVD, this two-disc set makes for a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. The genius behind the film is its director, John Frankenheimer. Frankenheimer made this film the way only a sport’s true fan could do it.
Frankenheimer gained exclusive two-year filming access to the most accomplished international racing superstars of his time. And that wasn't all – he required his actors to spend months learning how to drive Formula One cars and made them "race" the tracks for close-ups.
The international racing community had never given anyone – let alone
To win the famous Ferrari family, for instance, he privately screened 30 minutes of actual race footage he filmed to become the opening race. The patriarch of the Ferraris liked it so much, he allowed film crews to get to the cars and the factory – something that never been done before Frankenheimer.
Frankenheimer spent months experimenting with aerial and ground photography to develop the classic footage that has never since been reproduced. The gritty, jittery scenes are brilliant and almost documentary-like when you consider that most of the race and fan footage came from actual contests.
One commentator pointed out just how much of rarity “Grand Prix” truly is by deconstructing the open footage. Viewers are given an unprecedented look into the last-minute personal rituals drivers and their crews perform before racing. Frankenheimer could have started his characters’ stories, but he instead followed the real Formula One drivers pulling their gloves as tight as possible or packing their ears with cotton – unheard of filmmaking from
And you don’t have to be a fan of Formula One or NASCAR to get into this one. This is a fantastic film with great rush after rush from the unrivaled racing scenes. “Grand Prix” is one of greatest sports films of all time.
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