Le Mans - 1971 - 7/10

A movie for McQueen fans and gearheads.
With only a handful of dramatic moments, this runs like a documentary.
Moreover, this bears the look and feel of European cinema from that era.
80% of the film is racing footage. Roaring engines, screeching tires, announcements over the PA system.
A minimal Michel Legrand score during lulls. Otherwise, viewers are immersed in the crowd.
In many ways, this reflects a last look of the gentleman’s sport of motoring, before commercial interference.
Le Mans is and was a unique film. No soap opera elements, no childish dramatics, no intrusive music.
All sports car films are dwarfed by this.