Love The Beast

 

Story:

Eric Bana makes his directorial debut with this documentary about his biggest obsession: his Ford XB Falcon Coupe, aka "the Beast." The actor examines his auto fixation and chronicles his attempts to compete in the treacherous Targa Tasmania race. The Beast has been by his side for more than 20 years -- but can it endure this grueling five-day affair? Jay Leno, Dr. Phil McGraw and auto expert Jeremy Clarkson drop by to share their thoughts (NetFlix)

Review:

My passion has always been films. One of my earliest memories was sitting in a theater watching Who Framed Roger Rabbit and being in complete awe. As the years went on, my appreciation for the medium continued to evolve. The love for films became ingrained in my DNA, it defined who I am as a person. When it comes to the culture of car appreciation, I’m at a complete lost. To me, if the thing gets me from point A to point B, then it’s done its job. I’ve never felt compelled to walk into the world to achieve of a better understanding of it.  On the outset, a documentary about Eric Ban and his love of muscle cars didn’t seem like something I’d be all that into, but the trailer for Love the Beast struck a cord with me. The way Eric Bana expressed his love for muscle cars echoed the way I felt about films. At that moment, a dormant giant in me awoke and I had to devour this documentary! It’s easy to think that if a Hollywood actor decided to make a documentary about himself in his spare time, then the results would be nothing more than an exercise in narcissism. Let me be clear, this is definitely not the case with Love the Beast. Bana’s poured every bit of his heart and soul into the film and it shows. Featuring interviews and home video footage of his family and friends, Bana sets the stage and illustrates the emotional ties he has to his Ford Falcon. It really is another member of his family. From there, he sprinkles in interviews with Jay Leno and Jeremy Clarkson to talk about the passion and with Dr. Phil, to talk about the psychology. While the intention of this film is a rather revealing spoiler, I can say that Eric Bana expertly paces the film. Surprisingly, he chose to leave out any sort of auto-mechanic porn. The gear head jargon has been left out. He’s not here to shine the spotlight on the technical aspects of car culture, he’s here to show the passion. And man, does he deliver it in spades.  The themes here are universal. As a human being, family and passion are our driving forces. It’s our (excuse the potential pun) fuel. There’s a part at the end of the film that’s a bit jarring… but in a good way. We’ve known Eric Bana as the hunky movie star, but when the segment hits, you can’t help but think, “What are you doing there? Why aren’t you back on the road?!” Whether or not you possess an appreciation for classic cars, Love the Beast is definitely worthy of your time. And who knows, it might just turn you into a car junkie.

Reviewed by Joe Shieh for Documentary Film Online on August 31, 2009

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