The DVD Review of the 1972 documentary “Weekend of a Champion” praises its captivating storytelling and visually stunning cinematography.
After the shocking murders on Cielo Drive in the Hollywood hills in 1969, filmmaker Roman Polanski quickly immersed himself in work, creating a notable adaptation of Macbeth.
Spending time in Europe, he socialized with friends and engaged in the glamorous social scene.
In 1972, he directed the lesser-known yet commendable film What? He was involved in producing a largely forgotten documentary about Formula One car racing, in which he appeared and held a producing credit.
DVD Review: Weekend of a Champion
Weekend of a Champion, primarily showcased at film festivals, faded from view until 2013, when it regained attention with more festival screenings.
Although Frank Simon is the credited director, Polanski’s influence seems equally significant in shaping the outcome.
Weekend of a Champion offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix, providing racing enthusiasts unparalleled insight into the event.
The documentary showcases Jackie Stewart’s journey through the qualifying rounds and the primary race, capturing his preparations and performance in great detail.
The intimate access to Stewart’s thoughts and expertise distinguishes this film from others in the genre.
As close friends, Stewart and Polanski are inseparable throughout the documentary, with Polanski consistently engaging Stewart in insightful conversations.
Stewart’s articulate and expressive narration provides a comprehensive understanding of his work and the intricacies of Formula One racing.
Also, see The ‘Star Wars’ Movie You Won’t Be Seeing Next Year
The renowned Formula One films include the extravagant Grand Prix by John Frankenheimer and Steve McQueen’s Le Mans.
The iconic Monaco circuit, featuring its intricate twists and the famous seaside tunnel, is prominently featured in the Grand Prix.
It can also be spotted in Roger Corman’s vibrant The Young Racers, which captures thrilling racing sequences.
Although filmed a few years later, Weekend of a Champion showcases the same perilous-looking Monaco circuit, characterized by its ordinary surface streets and seemingly inadequate safety measures, given the packed crowds of onlookers.
Jackie Stewart guides Roman through Monaco in a regular car, pointing out his braking spots, gear changes, and seemingly inconspicuous yet potentially hazardous curbstones.
Amidst the qualifying heats, Jackie walks a section of the course with Roman, offering critiques of other drivers’ maneuvers through simple turns.
He astutely identifies their braking and acceleration points and expresses firm opinions on their errors.
Stewart emphasizes his approach to racing in Monaco, focusing on road position and traction rather than constantly pushing for maximum speed, describing his lap as a smooth and concentrated process.
In a lighthearted exchange, Polanski humorously contrasts Stewart’s smooth technique with an exaggerated portrayal of a frantic, fast-paced driving style, expressing his inability to reconcile Stewart’s fluid actions with his perception of Stewart’s driving.
Polanski and his cameras accompany Jackie Stewart from the hotel to the pits, revealing the exposed danger of the pits should a driver lose control of their car.
During the rainy qualifying runs, Stewart, equipped with special rain tires, expresses his disdain for Monaco’s rainy conditions, diminishing his advantage over other drivers due to his extensive experience.
Despite the media and fan presence, Jackie and Helen Stewart maneuver around the hotel without being overwhelmed, with Jackie’s doctor also in attendance.
The couple attends parties with celebrities and movie stars in a restrained manner. Jackie’s tension over the weather is evident on race day, and an oversight in dressing correctly adds to his unease.
However, once inside the car, his demeanor shifts, displaying his mastery of the racing environment.
The documentary captures the speed and thrill of the racing, providing a deeper understanding for viewers through Jackie Stewart’s insightful commentary.
The film showcases the tangible repercussions of racing, such as cars limping into the pit due to tire or wheel damage, and highlights the quiet contemplation of a famous driver, Graham Hill, after a wreck.
The documentary also effectively conveys Jackie Stewart’s impressive performance from the pole position and his lead over the pack for several laps.
At approximately eighty minutes into the original Weekend of a Champion, the 2013 edition fast-forwards forty years to a conversation between Jackie Stewart and Roman Polanski as they reflect on the film and Stewart’s life.
They share laughter while reminiscing about their youthful appearances and distinctive 1970s sideburns.
Despite struggling in his early education and eventually discovering his dyslexia later in life, Stewart transitioned from being a mechanic to a successful racing career.
He advocated for enhanced safety measures in racing, including course improvements, the implementation of crash trucks, and proper medical care for injured drivers.
Having experienced a serious accident himself, Stewart highlights the lack of dedicated medical personnel at racetracks and the tragic loss of close friends in accidents, underscoring the importance of advancements in car design for driver survival.
The conversation also touches on the high mortality rate for drivers and fondly recalls the late François Cevert, Stewart’s teammate, who tragically died during a practice run.
The documentary portrays Stewart as an esteemed figure admired by Roman Polanski.
In a lighthearted moment on the way to the pits, Stewart’s charisma shines through as he engages with an Argentine sponsor despite the language barrier.
While the director shares off-track scenes with Stewart, the racing sequences feature the “Flying Scot” alone.
Interestingly, Stewart retired from racing just two years after the events captured in the film.
The MPI Media Group’s DVD of Weekend of a Champion presents a high-quality rendition of this remarkable documentary.
The enhanced widescreen image boasts brightness, cleanliness, and vivid colors, complemented by excellent audio recording.
Although Jackie Stewart’s Scots accent is not prominent, English subtitles are thoughtfully included for clarity. The film features all-natural sound with no music score.
The trailer offers amusing highlights, such as when the apprehensive Jackie accidentally cuts himself while shaving and jokes with Roman about the presence of blood in Polanski’s movies, to Roman’s bemusement.
In terms of accessibility for viewers, Polanski’s film provides a more intimate portrayal of Formula One racing compared to Hollywood’s racetrack epics.
It offers a nostalgic glimpse into racing during a time predating the dominance of technology and marketing while underscoring the heightened danger drivers face.
Weekend of a Champion
DVD
MPI Media Group
1972 – 2013 / Color / 1:78 widescreen / 94 min. / Street Date May 20, 2014 / 24.98
Starring Jackie Stewart, Roman Polanski, Helen Stewart.
Cinematography Bill Brayne, Pawel Edelman
Film Editors Hervé de Luze, Shawn Tracey, Derek York
Produced by Roman Polanski, Mark Stewart
Directed by Frank Simon
Supplements: Trailer
Deaf and Hearing-impaired Friendly?
Yes; Subtitles: English
Packaging: Keep case
Reviewed: May 12, 2014
People also viewed Haskell Wexler and the Making of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’
