By Alice Tynan
Tony I’m so f***ing sorry. – Bana
Given Australia’s coveted car culture, it’s really no surprise that Love The Beast struck a chord with local audiences. Eric Bana’s directorial debut became the second highest grossing documentary in Australian history. And yet his deeply personal story of a 25-year love affair with his 1974 XB Falcon Coupe somehow transcends the mere petrol head appeal, becoming a poignant tale of passion, loss and – that slightly cringe-worthy Australian word – mateship.
Bana succeeds in pacing the film in a way that engages car fans, film fans and probably most people in between. Bana’s own celebrity certainly widens the appeal of the documentary, which he further sprinkles with Hollywood stardust in the likes of Dr. Phil and Jay Leno, and of course British motoring royalty (or make that jester) Jeremy Clarkson. This trio is a nice take on the ‘talking heads’ aspect of the genre, and is well balanced with soundbites from local racing enthusiasts and Bana’s own friends and family.
Love the Beast also sets itself up as quite the thrill ride. With the DVD blurb alerting you to “the beast’s untimely death in one of the world’s most dangerous races,” the Targa Tasmania driving scenes become steeped in excruciating anticipation of the crash. Bana also indulges in a rather gruelling crash montage, which only acts to further fray the nerves.
The death of the beast is, of course, devastating. Words can’t really describe the look on Bana’s face after the crash, and when reassessing the damage a couple of months on. His celebrity friends provide their rather blunt and pointed advice as to whether or not he should rebuild, while his mates wait for the dust to settle.
In fact, Bana’s honest and measured approach to this loss is more broadly indicative of his filmmaking style. Love the Beast’s straightforward story is matched with simple cinematography and directed with a clear vision. Of the 160 hours of footage shot, no doubt a lot was left out to produce this streamlined film. Perhaps some of this was more detail about his friends, because it does feel like we don’t get to know them particularly well. And while Bana does capture the ease and shorthand that exists between lifelong mates, he unfortunately tells you more than what he shows you, which is that this car remains the campfire around which they all congregate.
However Bana does manage to avoid sentimentality and to that end his portrayal of mateship does steer clear of cringe. Moreover, where Love the Beast becomes the tale of two cars, Bana teases out the similarities between father and son in a joyful and self-deprecating way.
Whether you fancy the cars, the gadgets or the touch of Aussie celebrity, Love the Beast won’t fail to entertain. For Eric Bana serves up the story of his $1100 “pile of junk,” that is as full of heart as horsepower.
Bana and his Beast: A 25-year love affair.
Love the Beast is now available to rent or buy on DVD.