I believe it is Polanski's only documentary, making it a fascinating study. The shots of racing are cool as well as the period details and people. The breakfast scene sipping orange juice and discussing racing philosophy, drawing out maps, it is indeed like one of his labyrinthic films. Also, it's obvious he had a cinematic crush on the wife, maybe why he is there. She would fit in those early swinging 60s thrillers. The great twist is the post-interview 40 years later. I sense he always felt the movie was missing something and the new frame brought it to life. It's very touching. They talk about how safety has improved since then, pay tribute to those who passed, and reminisce about monuments and end on a point of view race scene which really brings it home the speed at which they go. This says something about life as well.
Jackie Stewart even remarks to Polanski, why did you make this? Polanski said, he loved racing. But I mean hot women, racing, documenting a champion, it's all cinema. He was a man who despite the elegance of his art was sort of an adrenaline junkie. The documentary is definitely worth seeing; at surface there's not much there, but like his films its pleasures, its statements and nuances are not obvious, then they hit you at once, they are all there looking back.
Jackie Stewart even remarks to Polanski, why did you make this? Polanski said, he loved racing. But I mean hot women, racing, documenting a champion, it's all cinema. He was a man who despite the elegance of his art was sort of an adrenaline junkie. The documentary is definitely worth seeing; at surface there's not much there, but like his films its pleasures, its statements and nuances are not obvious, then they hit you at once, they are all there looking back.