Directors: Frank Simon, Roman Polanski
Synopsis: An intimate look at Jackie Stewart’s weekend at the 1971
Monaco Grand Prix – now with an extended one-on-one interview between Jackie
Stewart and Roman Polanski.
A tough sell for any one not
interested in motor racing or Roman Polanski, Weekend of a Champion just seems like a fly-on-the-wall documentary
following one major racer – Jackie Stewart. Nevertheless, only the most cynical
will see nothing past the subject focus; for anyone else, this is a fantastic
insight into a person’s career.
Only running at 93 minutes (with
at least 20 minutes devoted to Stewart and Polanski’s recent discussion on the
film), the film is not too taxing for those perhaps not familiar or intrigued
by the focal point. However much or little appeal you have for Formula One,
this documentary succeeds in not exploring the sport in general, but just one
man’s abilities. Stewart, followed by Frank Simon and Polanski’s camera, is generously
open as the filmmakers record his every utterance and movement. Relaxed by the
years of celebrity, Stewart speaks his mind (poles apart from the contemporary
stars wary of the reporter), never shying away.
Stewart’s confidence around the
camera leaves us with a dynamic commentary as he explains how he goes about racing.
One scene has us planted in the passenger seat of Stewart’s car, leisurely
taking us through the track and his machinations. Explaining the gear changes,
the shape of the road, the tyre traction (and even more manoeuvres) may sound
tiresome to the non-F1 crowd, racing-specific as it is. Nothing could be
further from the truth though – understanding what makes a person the best at
what they do, whatever the discipline, has enormous merit.
Other scenes continue in this
vein, whilst some merely show Stewart chitchatting with friends and colleagues.
It begins strongly with the run-through of the track, and ends with a terrific
run-through of the documentary itself. Roman Polanski and Jackie Stewart are
shown sitting in the same room of the same Monaco hotel, reviewing what they’ve
just watched and also their lives. Time has given both men mature and
impressive ruminations on not only the film but how they’ve lived. It’s
engaging to see two brilliant minds casually discussing a larger-than-life
existence.
By the end, you are educated on a
specific expertise, the culture of the 1970s and, to finish, two men’s
exceptional lives. The restored Weekend
of a Champion is much more than a F1 film; it’s a rewarding study of
professionals in their respective fields.
Also posted on LiveForFilms
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