Gran Turismo
Now Playing - The Movie Review Podcast
Deep Dive
Why did Nissan create the GT Academy?
Nissan aimed to engage millennials who were disinterested in driving by hosting an online race for the best Gran Turismo players, offering the top 10 a chance to train as real race car drivers through GT Academy.
What physical challenges do race car drivers face during a race?
Drivers experience G-Forces twice that of astronauts upon liftoff, cockpit temperatures reaching 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and can lose up to seven pounds from sweating.
How does the movie Gran Turismo portray the transition from virtual to real racing?
The film suggests that playing Gran Turismo can prepare individuals for professional racing, showcasing a college dropout who becomes a professional sports car driver through his skills developed in the game.
What is the significance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in the movie?
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is portrayed as a prestigious and challenging race where the protagonist, Jan, aims to prove the naysayers wrong and demonstrate the validity of sim racing.
How does the movie handle the controversy of dramatizing a real-life crash involving a spectator's death?
The movie includes the crash as a pivotal moment in Jan's career, emphasizing his guilt and near-quitting of racing, but it also highlights that the crash was ruled a freak accident, not his fault.
What is the main criticism of Gran Turismo's portrayal of gamers?
Critics argue that the movie overly romanticizes gamers, presenting them as svelte, attractive, and socially adept, which may not align with the typical stereotype of gamers.
How does the movie Gran Turismo compare to other racing movies like Ford v Ferrari?
While Gran Turismo is competently made, it lacks the emotional depth and cinematic excitement found in films like Ford v Ferrari, making it feel more like a simulation of a racing movie rather than a compelling narrative.
What role does David Harbour's character, Jack, play in Jan's development as a racer?
Jack serves as a supportive mentor who helps Jan regain confidence after a traumatic crash, though his coaching is more about encouragement than technical racing advice.
How does the movie address the commercialism and product placement?
The movie prominently features PlayStation and Nissan logos, and the narrative often feels like a promotional piece for both the game and the car manufacturer, with Sony products like the PlayStation and digital players playing a role in the story.
What is the final verdict on Gran Turismo from the podcast hosts?
The hosts find Gran Turismo to be a competently made but ultimately uninspiring film that fails to make a compelling case for its subject matter, resulting in a weak not recommend.
- Racing simulators can train reflexes and driving skills.
- Real-world racing involves physical strain and high-stress conditions.
- Gran Turismo's realism is highlighted as both a strength and a limitation.
Shownotes Transcript