How Real is the Ford V Ferrari Movie?

The Ford v Ferrari movie, released in 2019, tells an exciting story of the so-called 'largest underdog match in auto racing history'—the fight between Ford and Ferrari for theCLUDED BY COMPRESSION.

Characterization and Villainy

One of the main criticisms of the movie is the portrayal of characters. Specifically, the character of Leo Beebe, who served as Ford's chief of design, is depicted as a worse version of a bad guy. This makes him more clearly defined as the antagonist of the film. However, this simplification comes at the cost of glossing over significant contributions from other parties involved in the real story.

Omission of Key Stakeholders

The film fails to give due credit to the UK team that was instrumental in building the cars. Additionally, the second US-based Holman/Moody team is entirely ignored. This omission is concerning as these teams played a crucial role in the development and success of the Ford GT40.

Glamorization of Carroll Shelby

The portrayal of Carroll Shelby, the founder of Shelby American, is another point of contention. The movie glamorizes him, presenting him as more of a con-man and hustler than he actually was. In reality, Shelby was known for his shrewd business tactics and his ability to secure funding and sponsorships. The film's depiction of Shelby as a corporate terrorizer doesn't accurately reflect the true nature of his business practices and his contributions to the racing world.

Exclusion of Realistic Dialogue

Another critique of the movie is the exclusion of certain lines from the real Miles Coltrane Representative's dialogue. One memorable line, "I believe I've been fucked," was left out, which is a candid and honest representation of the challenges faced by the racing team. The inclusion of this line would have provided a more balanced and realistic portrayal of the events that transpired.

Engagement and Popularity

Interestingly, despite its release and critical acclaim, the movie does not appear to be widely known to many enthusiasts. A recent query posed to the author revealed that they had never heard of the film. This suggests that the movie's impact on popular culture might not be as significant as some might have expected. The author's experience of restoring a 1968 Jaguar in 1982 further emphasizes the film's limited reach among the automotive community.

Conclusion

While Ford v Ferrari is a visually captivating and engaging film, its portrayal of events and characters is not entirely accurate. The movie might appeal to those interested in auto racing and nostalgia, but it should be viewed with a critical eye. Current viewers can benefit from seeking out additional resources to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the true story behind this historic race.