Gran Turismo

According to the National Association of Collegiate Esports there are currently 5,000 esports student-athletes and $16 million in scholarships awarded in the U.S. annually. Stats like these illustrate the blurring of what has traditionally been considered sports. Gran Turismo considers the relationship of gaming in the virtual world with that of a high stakes sport in the physical world. 

Based on the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a young man who lost himself in the simulated world of auto racing in the game Gran Turismo, only to find himself in the real-world GT Academy. A driving school where the winners of a seemingly half-baked marketing idea learn what it takes to race behind the actual wheel.

The film is extremely formulaic in terms of the Joseph Campbell hero’s journey. Right down to a “use the force” moment in ACT III. Not surprisingly, it fails the Bechdel test. Though it had the opportunity to pass when racer Leah Vega (Emelia Hartford) meets love interest Audrey (Maeve Courtier-Lilley) at Le Mans. There were also two women competing at the GT Academy, another missed opportunity.  In fact, the entire Audrey girlfriend storyline is crowbarred into the narrative and is simply an awkward attempt to normalize a character who has an extraordinary talent. I’m sorry but Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) is anything but typical. He has big dreams that he is unafraid to pursue. And he’s laser focused.

All of the impressive computer generated graphics and all the other actors are completely upstaged by the great David Harbour.  He reprises his role as sage protector from Stranger Things and it totally works. You don’t doubt his sincerity or vulnerability for a moment. There were also other strong performances by Orlando Bloom, Geri Halliwell and Dijon Hounsou. 

Gran Turismo is a fun, globetrottting affair. It celebrates Japanese design and western showmanship. It certainly hits on the well worn tropes of the racing film genre. Yet, the story is told in a such a fast-paced way, with such cool effects and good acting, that the audience is still surprised by the twists. If nothing else, Gran Turismo is effective. 

The greatest strength of Gran Turismo is Director Neill Blomkamp. His first feature was the instant classic and box office smash District 9. A haunting combination of science fiction and social commentary from his homeland, South Africa. He is a master of weaving special effects with live action. A perfect choice to navigate this subject matter, which lives in both places simultaneously. Even though our hero Jann is constantly told by every person in authority that life is not a game, the only way he can feel calm and conquer the so-called real world is, besides blasting Kenny G at unholy levels, reminding himself that, “It’s only a game.”