Review of Senna (2010) by Nate Z — 30 Dec 2011

I have never been a fan of racing of any sorts, be it horse or NASCAR or Formula One, the subject of the biographical documentary, Senna. So naturally I never felt like I'd been interested in a documentary about Ayrto Senna, the brilliant Brazilian driver who was the head of the pack. I was wrong. Even non-fans like myself can get enjoy Senna, a lean doc that doesn't waste a second. In fact, never do talking heads, interviews, or reenactments enter the frame. The movie is completely made up of archival footage, some of it astonishing like Senna's dashboard recordings that immerse you into his world of speed. The vintage race footage is thrilling. The film ably portrays the driver's life, his passion, his controversies with league officials who disliked the young man's style, his competition with rivals, and his impact on the sport. Here's an instance where being completely ignorant of the subject and its sport will come in handy, since you don't know what befalls Senna, though most will be able to pick up the ominous tones and markings of tragedy. This is a doc that just flies by with skill, precision, and enthusiasm, much like its charismatic and confounding subject.

Nate's Grade: B+.