‘F1’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

Key Takeaways

'F1' recognized as 2025's top film, celebrated for technical innovation and theatrical experience.
The movie marks a return to star-driven, 80s-style blockbusters for a broad audience.
Brad Pitt's 35-year career is detailed, spanning "handsome guy" to "icon" with diverse projects.
The episode dissects common sports film tropes, identifying both adherence and subversion in 'F1'.
Joseph Kosinski's direction and Jerry Bruckheimer's production are credited for 'F1's high quality.
'F1' quickly earned "Rewatchables" status, grossing over $630M and enhancing Apple's film presence.
The film functions as effective F1 "propaganda" through its luxurious and technically adept portrayal of the sport.

One host compared 'F1's technical achievements to 'Avatar', stating it pushed filmmaking forward.
The film was highlighted as a prime example of a movie demanding theatrical viewing during a 2025 resurgence.
'F1' is discussed as a modern star-driven, 80s-style movie centered around a cultural phenomenon, a genre previously scarce.

Director Joseph Kosinski is credited with advancing the filming of movement in machinery, drawing comparisons to Tony Scott.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer's legacy is noted, including a resurgence with 'F1' after a dip in the 2010s.
Bruckheimer is praised for overcoming logistical challenges including budget, international shooting, strikes, and COVID-19 for 'F1'.

Brad Pitt's 35-year acting career is categorized from 'handsome guy' to 'leading man on training wheels,' 'A-lister,' and 'icon'.
Participants debated Pitt's current standing compared to actors like Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon.
Pitt's career is described as uniquely carved out, pursuing diverse projects including smaller films and producing, rather than consistent genre work.

The discussion identified iconic athletes in film across different decades, starting with the 1970s.
Specific characters mentioned include Nick Nolte in 'North Dallas 40' (1970s) and Ivan Drago in 'Rocky IV' (1980s).
Rod Tidwell or Willie Beaman from 'Jerry Maguire' (1990s) were also highlighted as notable athlete characters.

The film 'F1' functions as 'F1 propaganda,' including appearances by real drivers like Lewis Hamilton.
The hosts discussed fictional race tactics and rule exploitation, drawing parallels to football's pass interference or the 'hackershack' maneuver.
The film is compared to 'The Big Short' for its ability to educate audiences on complex subject matter like F1 racing.

One participant asserted the movie would be more interesting if Damson Idris's character had won the race instead of Brad Pitt's.
'Monza' and the scene where two old friends reunite in a diner are identified as the most re-watchable moments.
The conversation considers potential plotlines for an 'F1' sequel, including Brad Pitt's character in Baja.

The introduction of Brad Pitt's character, Sonny, as older and out of step, listening to Led Zeppelin, is highlighted.
The film's technical aspects are praised, including in-race scoreboard graphics and a visual style making the present-day appear near-futuristic.
The hosts found the depiction of the F1 world, with its luxury and exclusivity, intoxicating, sparking some interest in the sport.

A 'flex category' list is presented for the top five 'old guys schooling young guys in movies'.
Examples include Joe Clark in 'Lean on Me' and Yoda schooling Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back'.
Robin Williams's park bench scene with Matt Damon in 'Good Will Hunting' is selected as the best example of this trope.

The film 'F1' took a year to shoot during actual race weekends, utilizing innovative camera techniques similar to 'Top Gun'.
A real-life 1990s Spanish Grand Prix crash that ended Martin Donnelly's career served as the basis for a film crash scene.
Bernie Collins, a former F1 female strategy engineer, inspired the character portrayed by Kerry Condon.

Logistical plot holes are identified, such as Sonny's van being in Las Vegas after he had been in Europe.
The discussion explores potential future installments, including 'sequel,' 'prequel,' and 'Prestige TV' options for 'F1'.
A prequel focusing on Ruben and Sonny in F1's earlier days is suggested, with Austin Butler proposed for a younger Sonny.