MovieChat Forums > Le Mans (1971) Discussion > The Woodstock of Racing.

The Woodstock of Racing.

posted 17 years ago by TheMemphian
2 replies | jump to latest

I think this is what McQueen wanted. A documentary of an experience rather than a straight doc with a lot of facts or a soapy drama a la Grand Prix. 1969 was a very experimental time. Many of those experiments didn't work, in their time, but with hindsight they become interesting glimpses into reality, so lacking in films from pre 1967-1970. It almost like McQueen isn't acting (except when he is acting) and we're just hanging out with him and all the others. All those cool looking people, clothes, cars, cameras, ect. remind me of the Monterey Pop Festival (1967) and Gimme Shelter (1970) where you know everything is real and you wonder "What ever became of this girl or that guy."
It is certainly of it's time, but with Steve McQueen, instead of Jimi Hendrix, asking the question "Are you experienced?".

"What rotten sins I've got working for me. I suppose it's the wages." -Bedazzled (1967)

[–] lucmann-1 17 years ago

I watched this again last night and was thinking the same thing...it's like a time capsule or documentary. No unnecessary dialogue or stupid romantic side plots. Can you imagine if this movie was made today? CGI and crap acting on a sound stage by some Hollywood flavor of the month who's not a real race driver like Steve.

Awesome movie! The DVD is widescreen and pretty good quality.

Send in another victim of Industrial Disease!

[–] nutsberryfarm 12 years ago

good points.

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night.