The film marks the actor's return to a blockbuster project, set in the world of high-speed Formula 1 racing. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, who also directed Top Gun: Maverick, the movie stars Brad Pitt as Sonny Hayes, a racer returning to F1 after years away. He mentors young talent Joshua (Damson Idris) to win the championship, but the two clash after a series of incidents.
With a budget of about 300 million USD, the film boasts impressive visuals. According to Variety, most of the scenes were filmed on F1 tracks, with the participation of professional racers. Pitt and the other actors spent months training on the track.
The crew used cameras mounted directly on the cars, giving viewers the feeling of watching the race from the cockpit. The film's editing rhythm, combined with the sound of the engines, creates a captivating experience that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Critics praised the way the film integrated racing into the storyline. The music, composed by Hans Zimmer, adds to the film's appeal, especially during the climactic moments. Screen International commented, "F1 is a story about recovery, faith, and generational transition. The film is not only for speed fans but also for movie lovers".
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Brad Pitt in the movie "F1". Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures |
Brad Pitt's performance has received widespread acclaim. The Verge noted that the actor delivers a tough yet vulnerable portrayal. USA Today wrote, "Pitt brings personality to the dramatic racing scenes, satisfying viewers".
Damson Idris shines as Josh Pearce, the young racer for the APXGP team. Kerry Condon also makes an impression as Kate McKenna, APXGP's technical director and the first woman to hold this position in the F1 world.
However, the film has some drawbacks. According to Variety, the storyline is somewhat formulaic, employing familiar motifs from the action-adventure genre of Jerry Bruckheimer or Ehren Kruger. The races provide visual excitement but don't fully convey the narrative's depth. The film doesn't thoroughly explain the racing tactics, which can leave some viewers confused.
At a press conference, director Joseph Kosinski said he and the cast attended F1 races for a year to capture the reality of the sport. For each scene, the crew only had about 10-15 minutes to film, so all technical aspects had to be prepared in advance. He was inspired to make the film after watching the Drive to Survive series during the pandemic. He said, "I loved how the first season focused on the bottom teams instead of famous teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, or Red Bull".
Brad Pitt, 62, has been a leading Hollywood actor for the past three decades. According to The Numbers, films starring him have earned approximately 5 billion USD at the box office. The star has won prestigious awards such as the Oscar, Golden Globe, and BAFTAs. The actor has been through two marriages, with Jennifer Aniston (2000-2005) and Angelina Jolie (2014-2019), and is currently dating Ines de Ramon, who is 29 years younger than him.
Que Chi (according to Variety, Hollywood Reporter)