The Man of Le Mans

Steve McQueen has only a few lines of dialogue in Lee H. Katzin's Le Mans, and most of his screen time is spent behind the wheel of his race car. And yet, he's extremely compelling and believable as a man who must race, because for him, it's what makes life worth living. It's a message he communicates in one quiet conversation with a racing widow, and one reinforced by his eyes, his body language, and his ineffable, enigmatic charisma.

The racing sequences are spectacular, particularly the crashes, which are visceral, shocking, and put you right in the action alongside the unfortunate drivers. Great visceral thrills in a film that is at the same time somehow quiet, contemplative, and steadily placed. There are strange contradictions in this film, but it's a winner nonetheless. 

LEGO Advent Calendar Haiku Day 17

Christmastime gestalt
Wholesome parts multiply glee
Building joy faster

LEGO Advent Calendar Haiku Day 15

He wears red and green
For the Xmas Day Gran Prix
High octane jingles

Formula De Day

Go Speed Racers

In August 2003, Sylvia and I travelled to BC's Radium Hot Springs. It was our first trip together as a couple, and Sylvia introduced me to the pleasures of go-kart racing. I was holding my own until the final lap, when Sylvia pulled up from behind and left me in the dust. In my defence, this was my first time racing, and Sylvia had driven on this track before, so she was on familiar terrain.

I found go-kart racing surprisingly exhilarating. I wonder why we haven't raced since. Sounds like a good activity to pursue this summer.