A documentary on Brazilian Formula One racing driver Ayrton Senna, who won the F1 world championship three times before his death at age 34.
Flawed and reluctant to dig too deep, but also a lyrical, haunting and nerve-wracking portrait: the thinking man's true-life Top Gun (with cars).
Fittingly, it maintains a propulsive momentum from the start, and the decision to avoid any interview segments, which would have disrupted its gripping flow, is one of the director's smartest moves.
Ambitiously constructed, deeply compelling, thrilling and in no way only for those who like watching cars drive in circles. A worthy paean to a true talent.
Only feels like half the story. Would definitely watch the 10-hour TV miniseries, though.
The immediacy of the approach is exhilarating and, as we approach the inevitably tragic ending, undeniably emotional.
To emerge unmoved is just about inconceivable.
The film has undeniable dramatic poke, but a noticeable absence of critical detachment.
Illuminating study of a tragic boy racer.
Glorious celebration of a remarkable man.
What this remarkable and accessible film ultimately does is celebrate genuine talent by reminding us what it looks like in its purest form, away from the circus of celebrity.
Brilliantly edited.
The cinematic qualities of the late Ayrton Senna won't come as a surprise to F1 fans, but for the rest of us this extraordinary documentary is a revelation.
There are aspects of Senna’s life that are left untouched here but that is a small reservation about such a dynamic and captivating documentary.
Plays more like a dramatic biopic than a feature-length doc.
Senna: Come drive with me
General release. Check local listings for show times.
Dominion, Edinburgh from Friday November 4, 2011, until Thursday November 10, 2011. More info: http://www.dominioncinemas.net
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