review by Silent J
Senna 2011
Watched May 11, 2012
Silent J’s review:
I've never been a fan of track racing, but I really liked this film. In fact, I was blown away by it. Not only because of how interesting the story is and how amazing the music is, but I'm astonished how well it can work as a narrative film. There are moments where you can't help but forget you're watching a documentary and think you're watching an actual film. I was surprised how this filmed pulled me in from the beginning and my eyes were glued to the screen until the very end. I cared about every moment and character, especially the insanely likable and sympathetic Ayrton Senna, despite not being a fan of racing and the ending was truly heartwrenching for me. This is such a near flawless film.
This may be the most cinematic documentary I've ever seen. It has a great hero, a great villain, clear stakes, a constantly moving/developing story, organic drama, suspense, etc. It's just so damn good.
And to do that with only archival footage is simply mind-blowing.
I completely agree. I don't necessarily see Alain Prost as a villain. A lot of people will come out of Senna seeing Prost as a villain, but I see him more as the ultimate/perfect rival for Senna; just two of the best racers who competed to be the best even if Prost would go as far as humilate him rather than beat him. It's also a bit poetic that his rival found peace with Senna in the end. Still, mind blowing.
He doesn't resemble a traditional villain because his character actually has depth. He was surely the antagonistic force for a good amount of the movie, and to see his gradual change was fantastic.
Funny how everyone here starts with the same opening line " I'm not a fan of racing or f1". Seriously there are no Racing / f1/motogp fans here ?? :(
For someone who is a fan, i found this to be a little disappointing. Well too much expectations can have its effect i suppose. Wished it was better.
Nonetheless it was a great documentary.
I can understand why people may feel that way, though I think you may be the first person I know of who went in as a fan of F1. Kinda funny when you think of it.
It is funny.
i had no idea who he was and have only seen a little bit of F1 racing in my life (but i like it a lot) and absolutely loved this. it was so well made and not like any other documentary I've seen before. poor, unlucky Senna.