First Reactions to Brad Pitt’s “F1” Highlight Its Action and Craftsmanship
Brad Pitt’s upcoming film “F1” has recently been showcased to members of the press, garnering early acclaim for its exhilarating portrayal of the Formula One racing scene. Critics have described the movie as “action-packed,” praising its stunning visuals. Jazz Tangcay, a senior artisans editor at Variety, emphasized the film’s impeccable craftsmanship, noting its exceptional sound design, musical score, and cinematography. She shared her excitement on social media, stating, “It’s Pearce, down the insideeeee! WOW! @F1Movie is an action-packed thrilling look at the world of F1 racing, with lots of grit. The sound, score and cinematography are flawless. Damson Idris and Brad Pitt are great! Absolutely Obsessedddddd.”
Acclaimed Cinematography and Performances Stand Out
Clayton Davis, Variety’s chief awards editor, also expressed admiration for the film’s visual presentation, particularly praising cinematographer Claudio Miranda, known for his previous BAFTA-nominated work on “Top Gun: Maverick.” He referred to the collaboration between producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Joseph Kosinski as the “Jerry and Joe Show,” highlighting their ability to create captivating entertainment. Davis urged the Academy to recognize Miranda’s work, stating, “Academy…don’t do Claudio Miranda dirty again on this one.” He added that both Pitt and Idris shine brightest in their shared scenes, encouraging audiences to catch the movie in IMAX.
Audience Enthusiasm and Personal Connections to the Film
Maude Garrett, a contributor to The Nerdist and Breakroom, described “F1” as “so freaking good.” She speculated that her enjoyment might have been even greater if she were already an F1 fan, commenting on the film’s adrenaline, emotional depth, pacing, storytelling, and character development. Her enthusiasm was palpable as she wondered if she might now be inclined to follow F1 racing, expressing, “Maybe I am now?”
Plot Overview and Creative Insights
In “F1,” Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a former Formula One driver haunted by a past crash. He is persuaded to come out of retirement to mentor a rookie prodigy, played by Damson Idris, in preparation for the Apex Grand Prix. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who previously collaborated with Tom Cruise, alongside producer Jerry Bruckheimer and real-life Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton. The cast also features Javier Bardem and Kerry Condon. During a virtual press event earlier this year, Kosinski shared how he became captivated by Formula 1 after watching Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” series during the pandemic. He appreciated how the show focused on the underdog teams, which inspired him to tell a story centered on a lesser-known team striving for a singular victory against the sport’s giants.
Filming Challenges and Realism
Kosinski and his cast spent a year traveling the Formula One circuit to capture authentic racing scenes. He recounted the intense filming conditions, where they had limited time slots to capture performances with Pitt and Idris in race cars, ready to hit the track. With 24 to 30 cameras rolling, he aimed to shoot key scenes during these brief, high-stakes moments. Notably, the real crowds present at the races were unaware that Pitt was behind the wheel of the car in front of them.
Upcoming Release and Audience Anticipation
“F1” is set to hit theaters on June 27, distributed by Apple and Warner Bros. Fans and critics alike are eagerly anticipating its release, with numerous reactions highlighting the film’s thrilling nature and its potential to resonate with a new generation of racing enthusiasts. Audience excitement continues to build as they prepare to experience this high-octane cinematic journey.
