MovieChat Forums > Le Mans (1971) Discussion > Love the opening scenes ?

Love the opening scenes ?

posted 14 years ago by evocrow
13 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone else enjoy the opening scenes with the fans? I think it was brilliant, infact I loved watching the crowd through the entire movie.

[–] Muttley_McLad 14 years ago

If someone asked me what my all time favourite scene of any film was, it would be those opening few moments of tension, followed by that opening lap and those 917's howling like a tortured wolf down the Mulsanne.

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[–] evocrow 14 years ago

Yes, heartbeat sound effects are often chessy in movies, but in Le Mans I think it was dead on

[–] stefanpiersche 11 years ago

Don't forget the screaming symphony of the 512's. There will never be a sweeter sound than that emanating from the Porsche 917 Flat 12 or the Ferrari 512 V-12. I love you reference to the tortured wolf.

[–] nutsberryfarm 11 years ago

no doubt. good ref too.

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[–] 11 years ago

[deleted]

[–] Muttley_McLad 11 years ago

No doubt, the 512's sounded great too, but I've always personally rated the 917 on the upshift at race speed as one of my top 3 man made sounds.

The other two being the famous Avro Vulcan howl (blood curdling!) when the throttles were opened above 85% and the glorious Rolls Royce Merlin at full chat.

But the list of incredible engine sounds is endless. The Lamborghini V12, Jaguar's 4.2 litre XK straight six, a Cosworth DFV at race speed, the fearsome Mazda 787b, a DC-10 with GE CF6-6 engines whistling at taxi speeds...I could go on, so I shall. The 426 Hemi, Ford's 427, Jaguar's new F-Type equipped AJ-V6 (even though it's a V configuration, the sound of the old E-Type is just uncanny), an English Electric Lightening on full reheat tearing the Earth's atmosphere a new one...

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[–] Stirchley 11 years ago

But the list of incredible engine sounds is endless.

You ought to post some sound links for us. I would love to hear some of the engines you mention.

[–] Stirchley 13 years ago

What I liked about the beginning of the movie was when the British narrator filled us in on the history of Le Mans and exactly what was going to go down. We got a lot of information in a very quick easy manner. It made the film so much more interesting for someone, like me, who knew about Le Mans, but who didn't know exactly what was involved.

BTW, does anyone know if they always had a British guy tell the crowd what was happening or maybe they had different nationalities doing this?

[–] evocrow 13 years ago

IDK but I think a visit there is going on my bucket list!

[–] enzo_Q 11 years ago

that announcer had a cool voice. I love when he counts down to that start

[–] ilania_a 11 years ago

I agree with you the first few minutes of the film were amazing to the sound of the heartbeats.....the music in the film is great too.

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[–] vanillacoke420 10 years ago

The entire opening from the first frame and up to the first change of drivers was amazing. I also loved the countdown.

[–] Blue_V 9 years ago

The cars should have had lot more time during the opening scenes, i think they were sidelined to show drivers and fans. Didn't work out for me. I didnt like it so much.

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