Reel Corner - August 2025

July 2025 Issue
Reel Corner by Donne Paine

Americas Love of Speed,
F1: The Movie, and Brad Pitt

After viewing F1: The Movie, The Reel Corner tried to analyze what it is about Americans’ love for speed. This enchantment and thrill of going fast seems to be a multifaceted phenomenon that has deep roots in our nation’s culture, history, and entertainment.

This fascination can be traced back to the early days of the automobile, when the invention of the car transformed transportation and symbolized freedom and progress. The open road became a canvas for adventure, and speed was not just a means of getting from point A to point B; it became an exhilarating experience that encapsulated the spirit of exploration and individualism.



At the heart of this passion for speed is the quintessential American ethos of competition and achievement. From the fast-paced world of motorsports, such as NASCAR and IndyCar racing, to the adrenaline-pumping allure of street racing, speed is often equated with success, skill, and prestige, as seen in F1: The Movie. Whether it’s the exhilaration of watching some of the fastest cars on earth zoom around a racetrack, or the excitement of a viewing a high-speed chase on the big screen, the love for speed taps into a collective desire for excitement and the pursuit of excellence. Some may argue, but it seems this competitive spirit is mirrored in other aspects of American life, from sports to business, where being the fastest is celebrated and held in high esteem.

F1: The Movie
Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem | Directed by Joseph Kosinski

This film immediately immerses viewers in the world of motorsport as it captures the exhilaration of Formula 1 racing, blending high speed action with personal drama. The cinematography is a stand-out feature with race sequences that put you in the driver’s seat.

Filmed during Grand Prix weekends, the crowds present in the film are actual spectators attending the races. This approach was intentional, aiming to capture the real atmosphere and excitement of F1 racing. Because of that fact, the film had to be filmed in 5 to 10-minute takes rather than a whole day of shooting. It is said the crowd was unaware that Brad Pitt was in any of the cars.

The portrayal of racing and the involvement of actors in driving can impact the authenticity of a film. In the 1968 film Grand Prix, James Garner did some of his own racing, as did Brad Pitt and Damson Idris in F1: The Movie.

The story is a familiar one and predictable; the seasoned veteran (Brad Pitt) clashes with the ambitious young driver (Damson Idris). Teamwork and humility are learned by all.

A fascinating element in the film is showcasing the technology of race car design, factoring in all elements of predictability. Also, the pit crew and their responsibility and the difference they can make where one second can be the difference in winning and losing.

Brad Pitt, at 61, can still carry a film with limited dialog, but for Javier Bardem’s character role, which could have been more developed, was in The Reel Corner’s opinion a missed opportunity.

F1: The Movie is a must watch for motorsport enthusiasts. Whether you are a diehard fan of Formula 1 or new to the sport, this film offers an engaging look at the passion and intensity that defines racing, competition, and winning at its highest level.

References: www.imdb.com, www.buzzfeed.com

Donne Paine, film enthusiast, once lived around the corner from the Orson Wells Theater in Cambridge, Massachu-setts, where her strong interest in films, especially independent ones, began. Supporter of the arts, especially films, she has traveled to local and national film festivals including Sundance, Toronto and Tribeca. There is nothing like seeing a film on the big screen. She encourages film goers to support Hilton Head local theaters, Park Plaza Theater and Northridge. To support her habit of frequent movie going, Donne is a vaccine medicine nurse consultant and also the author of 4 Interview Pillars available on Amazon. See you at the movies!