Gran Turismo

Gran Turismo may be another movie adapted from a video game, but that description doesn’t do this film justice. The racing simulation was first released as “The Real Driving Simulator” in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation. Designer Kazunori Yamauchi (Takehiro Hira) combined detailed cars from authentic manufacturers and the ability to drive them in a realistic virtual world. It proved highly popular with both gamers and auto enthusiasts.

This saga is really a biographical sports drama based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe). The British adolescent was an avid Gran Turismo player who ultimately became a professional race car driver. It’s your classic inspirational sports biopic about a nobody who became somebody. Jann climactically competes in the 24 hours of Le Mans. Indeed, the truth is stranger than fiction.

Jann Mardenborough is obsessed with the video game. He lives with his parents. Dad Steve (Djimon Hounsou) is a former footballer who disapproves of his son’s obsession. Mom Lesley (ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell) is the more understanding one. He’s also got a younger, more athletic brother, Coby. Just an aside. Their family seems close, so it’s odd when the parents inexplicably disappear for a prolonged period. I wondered what happened to Jann’s folks while all this amazing stuff was happening in their son’s life. They do reappear later, but no explanation is given for their absence.

Everything falls into place for the teen. Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) is a marketing executive for Nissan. At a conference in Tokyo, he pitches to investors a contest for Gran Turismo players to have a chance to earn a legitimate professional racing career with Nissan. The stunt could also boost automobile sales. Most professionals reject Danny’s request to train these novice drivers. However, former racer Jack Salter (David Harbour) eventually agrees. An unpleasant interaction with an arrogant hothead racer named Nicky Capa (Josha Stradowski) inspires Jack to accept, seemingly out of spite. The top racers are invited to join the newly established GT Academy. No suprise. Jann qualifies along with nine other potential racers. This includes the more comfortable on-camera Matty Davis (Darren Barnet).

The account is your basic by-the-numbers sports tale about an underdog that prevails. Except for a shocking accident, there is minimal conflict. Every single story beat that occurs details a foreseeable path to success. Jann triumphs so frequently (and easily) that the picture occasionally feels like a parody of this genre. And yet, I still enjoyed this chronicle about a plucky gamer who dared to dream. Cinematographer Jacques Jouffret beautifully photographs the racing scenes with an eye for excitement. The sound design is incredible. I could feel the vibrations during the XD presentation.

Director Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Chappie) constructs the narrative around a simple audience-pleasing premise that effectively draws you in. Added onscreen visuals digitally highlight crucial elements. We are always aware of which car Jann is driving. Furthermore, the graphics connect the dots between his video gaming at home in a room and the visceral thrill of racing a physical vehicle. We understand his mindset and the stakes. Emotionally, we are connected to his plight. What more can I say? Jann Mardenborough is a thoroughly likable protagonist. To calm down the day before a race, he listens to “Songbird” by Kenny G and “Orinoco Flow” by Enya. Did I say this film was predictable? Well…I stand corrected.

08-27-23