After a fair bit of searching, I've found that there are at least nine cinemas in London showing it so I'm guessing that it will be more widespread than it first appeared. I can't wait myself, not just because I'm a huge Senna fan but because I'm very keen to see how and why it works as a piece of cinema etc. While I'm no Mark Kermode, and without wanting to sound too pretentious, I do have a Masters in Film Studies (no, don't laugh!). One consequence of this is that there's no such thing as 'just' watching a film anymore for me, for better or for worse. I should also have a non-fan, anti-F1 even, to go with. I think I have a good idea as to why it will have a broad appeal but I really should see it first before I start shooting my mouth off.
I'll be very interested in your opinion too, then - you didn't mention your qualifications earlier in the thread. Obviously the version I watched doesn't follow the director's intended structure so, with your critical eye, it'll be interesting to understand how and why it works (if it does) as a proper film.
Wow, must be hard to step back from yourself and look at it. All the different sides of view you must take must surely drain you mentally rather than just casually enjoying it.
It was true but I'm used to it now and it has just become normal, instinctive So it's not really draining but not casual either. It's the same with TV too. I didn't mention it earlier because it sounds a bit pretentious maybe but I'm more than happy to share any insight. I'm excited to see the F1 I grew up with re-made in this way; it's probably a unique opportunity.
So yeah, my nearest screening is Southampton. Damn it. EDIT - And they are only showing it for ONE day.
Me and Mrs Becclestone will be watching it at our local cinema, as all good deserving film's should be seen on the big screen. After all people have taken the trouble and risked the expence to make them.
Just seen the film today, do not want to spoil anything for anyone but it is very very good and I would strongly encourage everyone to see it, it should be on at most cinemas.
Senna will be on at all main cinemas such as http://new.myvue.com/, http://www.cineworld.co.uk/, and http://www.odeon.co.uk/
I'd like to know what you thought - what stood out and whether it worked as a movie, etc. - type spoilers in white text.
Well first and foremost it certainly works as a film, there are a number of reason why this is but the main reason is because of the narrative, there are no 'talking heads' or interviews (apart from Senna) but instead comments from people in F1 or journalists are played over what is going on on-screen so it does not break the film up but helps to narrate the film along with Senna's own telling of his story. Another plus of this is that you are constantly right in there the entire film you do not break away from the action at all so it keeps you very immersed. Other reasons why it works as a film is that Senna's own career is written like a film plot, you have got your upcoming star, his battle to reach the top, him reaching the top, his arch rival, and then his tragic death. It also helps the amount of footage they have not just of his racing but his personal life as well. As for the content of the film, well it is obviously going to be impossible to include everything and they have decided to mostly concentrate on his time at Mclaren which is completely understandable seeing as he became a triple WDC there and had his big rivalry with Prost, so that this alright. You arrive almost immediately at him signing for Mclaren, Senna talks a bit about coming over to England and racing karts and they mention his Monaco 2nd place with Toleman and his first victory at Jerez for Lotus, but then it is right into his Mclaren career. They paint Prost in probably a worse light than he deserves but again that is understandable, however they reserve the real villan role for Balestre, I also think the '89 and '90 Suzuka collisions are depicted fairly (at least in my eyes). Away from the track they show his importance to Brazil and his status there which is portrayed on track with his 1991 Brazilian GP victory and his funeral, they mention a bit about his charity work but it is only in passing as they do with his relationships, his belief in god is emphasised throughout the film. There are parts which I wish were included such as his Donington opening lap and when he stopped on track to help Erik Comas. The prelude to his crash really is tense because you travel on board with him for several corner before he goes off and you know what is coming up so it is very powerful. I also like how they mention his friendship with Prof Sid Watkins. The very ending of the film is quite touching and a nice note to go out on where he is talking about 'real racing' and the best driver he raced against. So I really do think that it is a very good film and would definitely recommend it, also the soundtrack to the film compliments the footage well and adds another dimension to it. I went with someone who was not interested in F1 and someone who was quite interested in F1 and both of them really liked it as well so I think it does appeal to most people. It is also exhilarating seeing F1 footage on a cinema screen especially onboard with Senna around Monaco. I found the film absorbing, captivating, humourous, powerful and emotional which does justice to Senna the driver, Senna the person, and Senna the legacy. For a more expert opinion here are the Empire and Total Film reviews: http://www.empireonline.com/reviews/reviewcomplete.asp?FID=137249 http://www.totalfilm.com/reviews/cinema/senna
Beyond its' obvious target audience minus Alain Prost. I'll be going to see this film, but I'm interested to see just how deep they stick the knife into Prost's back. Maybe if Prost won one less world title and died someone would make a film about him. It's rather fashionable to vererate Senna at the moment because of you know who, but I never liked him, and I never agreed with his dirty and dangerous tactics.
I have seen the film and although i liked it i wish they would have released the two or even the three hour version. 100 minutes is just too short for such an intense life as Sennas. So the film concentrates more on the personal aspect of Senna. The "racing" of Senna and the fun/friendship stuff (with Berger for example) is missing a bit. Thats my point of view at least, yours might differ ;-)
I won't see the film until later today but I suspect that Prost is cast as the bad guy, along with Balestre, in order to drive the narrative, rather than it be just a straight documentary. If this is true, I suppose it's a bit unfair although Prost was always the bad guy as far as I was concerned! My dad, on the other hand venerated Prost and always complained about Senna's "dirty and dangerous tactics"; yes, the very same words!
