SENNA - The Film, Reviewed

by Rachel Clarke on Mar 31st, 2011

Rachel Clarke is what Badger refers to as a 'social media queen' and she's also not only a fan of Badger, but she's also been across the pond lately, where she took the opportunity to see the film that every F1 fan is talking about...

I'm over in Austin, Texas, attending SXSW - the interactive part, not the music or film part - but was lucky enough to catch a showing of Senna, the documentary about Ayrton Senna. Written by Manish Pandey and directed by Asif Kapadia, the film uses documentary footage to tell the story of the driver from his start in F1 through to his untimely death

My quick review? I loved it. Go and see it. Don't wait for the DVD, see it on the big screen. If it's not on in your country, pester your local (Independent) cinema, your film festival or whomever else can get you a showing. Not only if you're a fan of the driver, or the sport but also if you're interested in the story of someone who is passionate about their chosen profession and what they are driven to do to be the best.

When I came out of the showing, my reaction was just wow. Just half formed thoughts and emotional reactions to the film, the journey I'd just been taken on. David, from the Statesman, had a similar reaction and neither of us could string together a sensible comment about it.

"a time when F1 was not as smooth in its PR speak"

My memories of the team are blurred – I was as big a fan of the sport then as I am today – and I was aware of what was going on, I watched some of the races, but did not know all the details of his career. I’ve read biographies, but what this film does is bring home what the man was like, through his own words and the words of his contempories, as far as possible as recorded at the time. It’s not a bunch of talking heads looking back through the rosy spectacles of years gone by, but in what was said then. You can experience the emotions, in a time when F1 was not as smooth in its PR speak; there are some amazing interviews if you have only watched today’s drivers speak. The footage that has been found, some of which has never been broadcast, is amazing.

"superb storytelling and editing skills are evident throughout"

But however brilliant the archive footage, it would not be watchable without the superb storytelling and editing skills that are evident throughout. The original plan was to only have about 40 minutes of archive film alongside current interviews, but on getting involved, Asif saw that the story would best be told just through the old film. A decision well justified, as it just sweeps you along in the action on screen without breaking your concentration.

It opens in the UK on 3rd June – make sure you see it!

(here's the trailer for now - enjoy!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOzq927y15o

For a longer review, you may want to read these from the Statesman or from Austin Grand Prix - Both of these are far more professional writers than I and get reviews in on time!

You can follow Rachel Clarke on Twitter for more of her F1 related opinion!