Deadliest Crash

Recommended? Yes

Deadliest Crash is a three years in the making documentary looking at the tragic events of the 1955 Le Mans Disaster – the worst crash in motor racing history. The disaster is looked at using a variety of techniques including eye witness testimony and interview, images, cinefilm from the day and a computer generated re-enactment of the final moments leading up to – and just after – the fateful crash of Pierre Levegh.

The DVD begins by looking at how the 1955 Le Mans race was building up – the post war boom, the rise of Mercedes following the bombing of the factory and of course the ever present Jaguar with their D type racer. It also provides some in depth insight by some of the drivers involved, such as the former race car driver John Fitch (who has gone on to save many lives with his Fitch Barrier).

The film goes on to tell the tale of the competing drivers, Mike Hawthorn and Juan Manuel Fangio. Both excellent race car drivers in their time neither would willingly accept defeat to the other, despite Hawthorn the disadvantage of a less experienced co-driver (Le Mans back then was a 1 car, 2 driver setup for the full 24 hours of the race).

Perhaps the most striking part of the entire film is the eye witness accounts of what actually happened in, and during the moments of the crash. I will warn you that some of you may find it upsetting to hear of how the 80-120 people lost their lives (there isn’t an official death toll reported apparently) – Pierre Levegh’s car that was launched into the air landed directly into the crowd and grandstand. More than 200 more were injured.

The range of techniques used to tell the story of the 1955 Le Mans disaster in the film are all excellent – the home footage in particular and cinefilm really gave a flavour of the day. The excitement of the crowd prior to the incident is almost palpable and harks back to simpler days where 300,000 strong spectators would gather in the festival like atmosphere to enjoy themselves.

Ultimately, the story is revealed with great care in the film – it really demonstrates what happened on June 11th, 1955 at 6.26pm. The tale is a tragic one, but it changed motorsport forever, improving it by making it safer for both drivers and spectators alike. As noted in the film, there is no official memorial or remembrance for those lost in the disaster (though I personally feel strongly that there should be).

I’d more than recommend this DVD as it shows a piece of motorsport history from the perspective of those most deeply affected. Whilst some parts are difficult to watch, it is an extremely intelligent re-telling of a moment in history that forever changed the world of motorsport and had a massive impact on those who were there.

You can buy Deadliest Crash here.

The trailer above is from the movie ‘Love The Beast’, written, directed and starring Eric Bana. It’s a documentary about his very own Beast, a 1974 Ford Falcon XB Coupe. The car has been in his life from the age of fifteen – and it was still going strong thanks to several rebuilds, until the events of the film take place (you’ll see when you watch it).

Throughout the film, various metaphors are used about the car being a ‘campfire’ which draws Bana and his school mates around it. Clearly, this 25 year labour of love means a great deal to them as the trials and tribulations of life take place, but the car remains a focal point. It’s an activity that they can all get around be themselves. As I think it was Bana’s dad said, it brings you back to your youth, and that’s actually something that’s priceless. No Ferrari, Lamborghini or even Veyron could do that – if you’re one of the younger readers, you may not understand this at the moment, but you will in time.

Numerous famous car fans are featured speaking to Bana throughout the documentary, which is also intercut with race footage and montage shots of the car (and others) in the Targa Tasmania Rally – an awesome road race against the clock including new and vintage metal.

Dr Phil (love him or hate him) offers up some very interesting advice on why the car is more than the sum of its parts. For Bana, it’s been to where he’s been in the last 25 years. It’s a part of his past, his present and even his future, provided he keeps it on the road.

Jeremy Clarkson offers up perhaps his most telling comment and explains the Top Gear lads’ love of Alfa Romeos in one go. He states that because the car has foibles, it has character. It’s this character that humanises it, allowing for a relationship and set of emotions to come into play.

A glimpse into the world of Jay Leno is also extremely revealing. His huge collection of vehicles and apparent love of everything two and four wheeled is a passion shared by myself and I must say that it great to hear that he never gets rid of anything. It was also interesting to hear him state that he knew what he was good at, and it wasn’t racing.

Love The Beast is a simple film, showing (rather than telling) one man’s passion for four wheeled speed and how a lifelong time spent with a single car has given him and his mates a shared goal in life. It’s about what makes us who we are in life. The look on the faces of the four friends after the crash in the Falcon really says it all. After driver and navigator are confirmed fine, they all look utterly dejected. Their Beast (and a part of them) is dead. So, will the Beast rise again? Only Bana likely knows the answer to that, though he did hint that it would on Top Gear…

So, would I recommend Love The Beast? As if you couldn’t tell from the review above – why yes of course! If you’re a passionate petrol head then it’s great to see a famous person with an extraordinary tale that isn’t about just some other supercar. If you’re not a car fan, perhaps this will help you gain an insight into the minds of your loved ones who are.