If you’ve deprived yourself of the opportunity to take a deep dive into automotive-themed cinema, don’t worry. All you need is a couple of free weekends, a TV (or computer) and popcorn. The following 5 films will help you spend your time educationally. For those car enthusiasts who want more films about development, racing or driving, here is a list of films that are worth watching.
Car generator and “ahead” of time: “Tesla” (2020)
Any connoisseur of the modern Tesla car brand knows that the name was not chosen by chance. It is named after the inventor Nikola Tesla, the creator of the engine, a contemporary of the 19th century.
It’s a fascinating but unconventional look at the unusual life of a scientist (played by Ethan Hawke). “Every person is an engine that turns the wheel of the Universe!” – declares the main character.
By the way, an engine cannot do without a generator; if it’s time to replace it, you can select a car generator and other spare parts on the Oiler website.
Director Almereyda shows both the historical role of this visionary, the creator of many solutions that are still used today, and the scale of his influence on culture, because Tesla was ahead of his time. The sublime is mixed with the humorous, and the director himself proves that, like his protagonist, he is a true visionary – he refuses complex special effects, often uses conventions, in which he is helped by a huge amount of his creative energy.
“Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015)
The Mad Max series has always been the greatest of the drive-in movie franchises. It mixed director George Miller’s pitch-black visions with highly stylized filmmaking and mind-blowing real-life stunts. The debate will probably go on forever as to which part is better. However, Tom Hardy easily outplayed his predecessor Mel Gibson.
Why we love Fury Road:
- it is this picture that gives us such unforgettable characters as Imperator Furiosa and Immortan Joe;
- the relentless, dynamic action sequences are a film where the action almost never “calms down”;
- we learn a lot about the characters and the terrifying world they inhabit.
It is a “waking nightmare”, a breathtaking ride and a stunning piece of cinematic art.
Spare parts Ford Focus 2 and “Ford v Ferrari” (2019)
The film shows Miles and Shelby’s attempt to put Ford ahead of rival Ferrari. The Italian car company had won in seven of the previous eight years. Ford v Ferrari follows veteran automotive engineer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and daredevil racer Ken Miles (Christian Bale) as they team up to design a racing car for Henry Ford III. This is how they hope to end Ferrari’s dominance at Le Mans 1966.
For Ford brand owners: Ford Focus 2 spare parts can be selected on the Oiler website.
Director James Mangold says the ending shows Miles as a different character. “To me, the movie says it’s really hard to be a winner in this world,” Mangold says, “and sometimes a man’s real victory is to actually give up.”
A knight without fear and reproach in the comedy “The Great Race” (1965)
For those who enjoy combining the comedy aspect with the racing aspect like Ford v Ferrari, this 1965 action-comedy is the next best thing. The Great Race takes place in the early 20th century and is based on a 1908 race between New York and Paris.
This picture is truly epic and will delight fans:
- old cars;
- exciting story;
- comedic farces.
So this is the perfect ’60s classic for fans of director James Mangold.
Oscar-winning documentary: “American Factory” (2019)
The last film on the list is an Oscar-winning documentary perfect for those who love “American production” and conflict. Factory of America takes place in Ohio, where Chinese billionaires open a factory on the site of a former General Motors plant.
This film, in which thousands of Americans were hired, tells about the invention of cars, as well as conflicts between countries and class enmity. For those who love the depth inherent in Mangold’s work, like Ford’s showdown with the Italian manufacturer, this documentary is an ideal choice.
It looks like the automotive theme will always be with us, and it covers a lot of things. The resulting selections will be quite eclectic, as they include classic cult films, noir, modern blockbusters, art house and works of genuine genre “obscurity”. It becomes clear that a “car movie” is more than a “car” theme, because it plays a key role in the way the character interacts with the world: be it a weapon, a tool, dreams, a real setting or a metaphor.