Senna

The thing that annoys me most about motor racing is the sight of all that champagne being wasted. And the second most annoying thing is that commentator who shouts all the time – although I suppose he has to shout or he wouldn't be able to hear himself. Anyway, it's never been one of my favourite sports, but I was looking forward to the film and thought I might learn something about why F1 appeals to so many people.

Senna came across as a likeable young man with a reckless disregard for safety. It seemed to me that his strategy for overtaking was to put both drivers' lives in mortal peril and rely on the other one being more frightened to die than he was. And since he believed God would protect him the other man would always chicken out first. I suppose that's why people found him so exciting to watch. I dare say your die-hard Senna fan would say that he was just more skilful than the others. Maybe.

The political intrigues and behind-the-scenes shenanigans were interesting but I must say I was getting pretty bored towards the end so I don't expect to be watching the next F1 race on TV.

The feedback score was 88%, albeit on a very low turn-out.

Your comments:

A	Exhilarating but sad.
A	Excellent film
A	Love Formula 1. Thank goodness safety has improved. Amazing how much footage of Senna off-track exists. My 2nd viewing of this film.
A
A	Evoked so many memories. Great.
A	Excellent film
B	Interesting.
B
C	No real interest in motor racing but fascinating glimpse of the manipulation going on in the background – and his single minded attitude to it all.
C	A competitor to the end!

On-line:

IMDB user rating 8.5 out of 10:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1424432/

Rotten Tomatoes – audience rating 95%:
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/senna/

An interesting interview with the director in the Guardian...
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2011/jul/09/asif-kapadia-interview-ayrton-senna

"To emerge unmoved is just about inconceivable." - Tim Robey, Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/8553429/Senna-review.html

"You don't need to know, or care, about motor racing to enjoy Senna" - Steve Rose, Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jun/02/senna-film-review

"Ayrton Senna was his generation's best Grand Prix driver. This viscerally exciting documentary does him justice" - Philip French, Observer
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jun/05/ayrton-senna-alain-prost