‘Gran Turismo’ Crosses The Finish Line With Determination and Risk
Gran Turismo offers a glimpse into a pivotal moment in motorsports history, telling the story of the meteoric rise of Jann Mardenborough, played by Archie Madekwe, from a young retail employee and avid gamer to a professional racer. In the biographical action-drama film, Director Neili Blomkamp portrays Jann’s opportunity to venture into the world of motorsports while obstacles impede his attempts to fulfill his lifelong dream. A recurring motif throughout the film is the extent of determination and the readiness to take risks as a fundamental foundation to fulfill personal aspirations. This theme seamlessly intertwines with the film's inherent question: Can the skills obtained in the realm of pixels translate into the unforgiving world of professional racing? The innate dangers of high-speed crashes, vehicle malfunctions, and collisions heighten this inquiry.
The film’s opening sequence introduces Takehiro Hira in the role of Kazumori Yamauchi, creator and driving force responsible for the racing simulator Gran Turismo. Kazumori collaborates closely with his team, meticulously analyzing components of automobiles to develop an authentic virtual racing experience. He navigates the racetracks and quietly assesses the logistics of the precise mechanics involved. This methodical dedication underscores the depth of his mission to fulfill his aspirations. Yamauchi’s dream is to make the world of racing accessible for everyday people. His inclusivity mission serves as a catalyst for the upcoming development of the plot.
Despite what the trailer suggests and the marketing team portrayed, Gran Turismo is not a racing film. Racing is a prevalent factor in the film, but it is not the story's primary focus. The story is a fictional retelling of an unbelievable moment in Jann Mardenborough’s life, a spirited young man with ambitious dreams, dreams that his family perceived as unattainable. Jann’s father expresses his distaste for his son wasting his life away playing a video game rather than pursuing a viable career, while his sibling laugh at his optimistic perspective on his future. One day, Jann learns he is eligible for a preliminary race to obtain a place in the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy. After winning the race, he successfully secures himself a spot. The academy throws physical and mental obstacles to the group of gamers, eliminating those who did not meet the former racecar driver, Jack Salter’s (David Harbour), criteria. To move forward, Jann must demonstrate his knowledge and capability to transform his dream into a tangible reality.
The film's beginning section emphasizes whether the abilities learned from video games can translate into reality. The Gran Turismo video game is the most precise racing simulator and, in theory, should operate as a training device. When Jack was first recruited, he opposed allowing unprofessional and untrained gamers onto the field. Racing is more than simply driving a car at maximum speed; it is a danger-filled profession with the threat of death lingering at every corner. One human or mechanical error can be the difference between life and death. Jack did not believe the gamers understood the physical and mental strength required to do such a taxing activity, nor did they understand the dangers of racing in reality. There is no reset button in the real world. There is nothing standing between them and death. When it is Jann’s turn for Jack to evaluate him while he’s driving, they end up crashing. Jann alleges the breaks felt like they were glazed, had malfunctioned, and he wasn’t at fault for the crash. He mentions his virtual experience driving cars as evidence, how, he’s been driving them for years, but Jack doesn’t accept his experience as viable reasoning. To Jack, Jann has zero experience driving racecars outside of the academy. When Jann’s claims about the glazed brakes prove true,, Jack is blown away. His thoughts of the group of gamers were changing as Jann singlehandedly proved their knowledge from the simulator does equate to a tangible aspect in the real world.
The film’s overarching narrative clings to a straightforward and uncomplicated route: a story of following one’s aspiration. While neither the storyline nor the characters display extraordinary elements, the absence of exceptionalism does not detract from the film’s charm. The familiarity of the narrative is balanced by its ability to captivate viewers, even when treading on well-worn ground. Notably, Archie Madekwe delivers an outstanding performance in the role of Jann Mardenborough. His character is involved in a deadly accident, and the raw emotions expressed leave a powerful impact. The disbelief and a profound sense of guilt overtake his being, and the realization of the inherent dangers of the profession sinks in, terrifying him to his core. In this moment, he acknowledges the true dangers of racing and is justifiably devastated. Madekwe brings authenticity to the character, effectively evoking emotions Jann experienced in the moment to the audience.
While the film briefly touches upon Jack’s backstory, the instance in which it is disclosed is a gripping scene. Jann is discouraged from racing, and Jack attempts to uplift his spirits, seeing a familiar sight. He reveals he was once a professional racer, but he too faced an accident that led to his fear of racing, prematurely ending his career and leaving him with the regret of what could have been. Before being recruited as a trainer for the GT Academy, Jack’s previous occupation as a mechanic allowed him to work on racecars and stay close to racing. Racing had been Jack’s life-long goal, but after his accident, he let the dream die. Jack’s character acts as a potential outcome for Jann as he questions if racing is worth the risk. In this aspect, Salter and Jann’s stories mirror one another. It offers a peek at the probable future that awaits Jann.
One aspect of the film that felt irrelevant was the budding romance between Jann and Audrey (Maeve Courtier-Lilley). Jann is obsessed with her, and even flirts with her at a party near the beginning of the film, where their romance should have ended. Perhaps a mention of the two becoming close but not additional scenes that draw attention away from the main story. After Jann signs his contract, he and Audrey explore Tokyo together and begin their romance. There is no payoff for the relationship to have been included in the film; it feels like a device used to lengthen the runtime and nothing else. It has neither significant nor minor impact on the story, making it feel impractical. The only merit of the romance is that it causes Jann’s character to appear genuine. As his life is unfolding into his lifelong dream, he wants to have someone by his side. Signing the contract is a step closer to his goal, and he chose to share this moment with the girl of his dreams.
In conclusion, the film masterfully captivates audiences with a glance into the crossing of virtual talent and real-life aspirations. The approach of sharpening the mind with realistic simulators and planting the seeds to seat those with ambitions is lightly spoken of. The film delicately threads the journey of Jann Mardenborough from his start in video games to the world of professional racing. The theme of determination and risk-taking develops as a central strand, highlighting the critical value such qualities bear to turning dreams into reality.
Each character contributes their own color to the canvas. From the brief period with Kazumori Yamauchi, to the complex Jack Salter, the film presents a spectrum of standpoints on ambition and risk. Kazumori brings his impeccable drive and wishful vision for the future to racing, while Jack Salter delivers a more subtle anguish of overwhelming sorrow for allowing his fear to overtake his dreams. These characters intertwine with Jann’s venture, collectively supporting the belief of chasing aspirations, while also confronting fear. Jann, against the doubts of his family and the community of the racing world, persists in proving them wrong by achieving his dreams and showing the world he has the drive to be able to race.
As the credits roll, Gran Turismo successfully encourages reflection upon its audience about their own aspirations while capturing Jann succeeding in his own. The core message features the importance of embracing risk, determination, and the unrelenting commitment to turn dreams into reality. Jann’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and serves as a reminder of that reality.
