Gran Turismo is an unexpected choice for a cinematic adaptation. Sony's enduring racing simulation series lacks a traditional cinematic story, characters, or intense racetrack rivalries. Instead, it revolves around the thrill of racing and the art of fine-tuning stunning cars on some of the world's most iconic and scenic tracks. However, despite its absence of a self-contained narrative, the games have played a significant role in a real-life saga of racing excellence, and it's this narrative that now graces the silver screen. Remarkably, the resulting film, born from these circumstances, delivers an endearing, albeit occasionally cringeworthy, underdog story.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp (known for District 9 and Elysium) and written by Jason Hall (famous for American Sniper) and Zach Baylin (credited for Creed III), Gran Turismo is an action-packed sports drama biopic centered around the life of Jann Mardenborough, portrayed by Archie Madekwe (known for Midsommar). Jann is an exceptionally skilled gamer, consistently outperforming every opponent he encounters in Polyphony Digital's racing simulation, also named Gran Turismo. However, despite his gaming prowess, he finds himself lacking a clear direction in life, much to the concern of his parents, Lesley (played by Geri Halliwell) and Steve Mardenborough (portrayed by Djimon Hounsou).
According to them, Jann is missing a solid backup plan. Yet, ever since his father took a photo of him in front of a vintage red race car at the age of five, racing has been Jann's sole passion. While toiling away at a retail store in Wales, Jann invests all his time and money into mastering GT cars within PlayStation's racing game, harboring the dream of one day racing at high speeds in real life.
The film swiftly transitions Jann from the mundane surroundings of his UK home to the electrifying speedway of the racing circuit. Following a daring escapade where he and his brother Coby (portrayed by Daniel Puig) borrow his dad’s car for a lowkey night party, complete with heart-pounding moments evoking scenes from 'Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit,' Jann discovers he has qualified for the GT Academy. This now-defunct training program was championed by marketing executive Danny Moore (played by Orlando Bloom) in partnership with Nissan, with the aim of transforming Gran Turismo enthusiasts into professional racers. Following a victory in the qualifying race at a gamer cafe, Jann stands alongside nine other gamers on the asphalt. They are met by trainer Jack Salter (portrayed by David Harbour of 'Stranger Things'), who sternly asserts that they are unprepared and can never truly be ready because, in his eyes, 'this isn’t a game.' This pivotal moment encapsulates the core drama of the film: the belief that gamers can't adequately prepare for the real world because video games exist in a different realm altogether.
What follows is a genuinely heartwarming film that tells the story of an outsider who, despite facing numerous challenges, ultimately proves that they belong among the elite. It's in the portrayal of this personal triumph that Gran Turismo truly excels. If you strip away the captivating underdog narrative, you might view it as an extended PlayStation advertisement.
I'm not kidding; PlayStation is prominently featured throughout the film. The company's logo adorns helmets and suits, the film opens with the iconic console startup sound, there's a touching scene where Jann gifts Jack a Sony MP3 player, and they even pay a visit to PlayStation studio Polyphony Digital to meet Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi (portrayed by actor Takehiro Hira, with the real Kazunori Yamauchi making a cameo as a sushi chef). All of this makes perfect sense given that Sony funded and produced the film. However, if you had no prior knowledge of Gran Turismo, you might mistake the 134-minute runtime for a PlayStation advertisement.
While recognizing the film's origins in the PlayStation world isn't inherently negative, the excessive product placement can be jarring, especially during emotionally charged scenes. Consider that moment between Jann and Jack, a crucial turning point in both characters' journeys. In this poignant instance, the depth of the moment is momentarily overshadowed by blatant product placement, as a Sony Walkman occupies the center of the frame, serving as a reminder of the film's corporate backing. We understand the importance of honoring corporate sponsors, but instances like these can disrupt the immersion of the story.
Fortunately, the cinematography is exceptional, delivering an experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout each race. Shot by French cinematographer Jacques Jouffret (known for his work on the first three Purge films), Gran Turismo is visually stunning, featuring both stable and dynamic shots that not only intensify the experience but also contribute to the film's narrative depth.
The film effectively employs a technique where it provides a overhead view from behind the car, especially during moments when Jann is navigating through police chases or executing daring maneuvers during races. This approach gives you the sensation of being in a helicopter, offering a bird's-eye perspective that mimics the experience of playing Gran Turismo itself, seamlessly switching between various camera angles to capture the intense action. Although at times it may appear somewhat artificially polished due to extensive color correction aimed at achieving visual perfection, when you combine the cinematography's professionalism with the clever use of CGI, such as a scene where a car disassembles in the middle of a race to reveal its inner workings while Jann pushes the modified vehicle to its limits, you're treated to a highly engaging movie. It consistently showcases inventive and breathtaking visuals that make it a captivating watch.