Actor Matt Damon, who doesn’t connect much with the automobile space, says that if he can love the film Ford Vs Ferrari, anybody can. By Team Viva

Ford Vs Ferrari, the Oscar nominated film is a sports drama directed by James Mangold. The plot follows around the American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles’ battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in france in 1966. It stars renowned actors Matt Damon and Christian Bale as Carol Shelby and Ken Miles. In this interview, Matt discusses about his role, experience of working with Christian & James and his first car.

Do you know much more about cars now than you ever thought you would?

No, not at all. I just acted like I did. I was never really a car person but I love the film’s script because it really feels relatable even if you’re not a car nut.

Which one was your first car?

The first one I ever bought was after I got the job in school ties. And before the movie started, I was out here for about three months, so I needed a car and I got to salvage. It was an 89 Acura Integra else that had been in a crash and had been restored. So I got a good deal.

Tell us your view on the underdog theme of the film.

This film is really a classic underdog story. At that time in the Lamon, 24 hour race was dominated by Ferrari. It seemed that every year he would go and win, he was just the master builder and designer of these beautiful cars that were famous around the world for being the epitome of perfection.

Your opinion on Ken Miles and Carroll Shelby.

They were both old, in their 40s. Miles was at the end of his run and this was his last chance. So the film really follows that relationship and the dynamics in a way that these two guys who are very different but have a deep and abiding respect for each other, attempt to do the impossible.

What did you love the most about the script?

When I first read it I found it incredibly relatable because this relationship is the centerpiece of the film and you can sense what this means to both of them individually. You go into the back to the home with Miles and see his relationship with his wife and son. You see what’s at stake in the crossroads. He’s financially at trouble. And you get that with Shelby as well. You know that this is an inflection point in both of their lives. They need each other in order to have the desired outcome but they fight like brothers and drive each other crazy, which is a lot of fun. It’s like a classic buddy film.

How was it working with director James Mangold?

I’ve always said that I sign films based on who’s directing them. That’s the first thing that I look at and then there’s the screenplay, role and co-actors. But when I heard it was Jim and then got to know about Christian, I didn’t give it a second thought. I’ve been following Christian for a really long time. You can say that I am a fan of his and Jim’s work. I’ve known Jim for 20 years and we’ve never found something to do together. So it was a very easy choice for me to sign this one.

How do you think the film will captivate people?

Any time you make a film about a particular subset of human beings, in this case, it’s car lovers, you know, presumably that those people will like it as you’re going to recreate that time in their life.

I grew up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, taking the subway. I didn’t grow up in a car culture. The fact that I love the film even then means that this can get people excited. It’s kind of a great underdog story.

How excited were you for the film?

I had most fun working with Christian every day and watch him act. I think that guy is an amazing actor. Even the script is really good and the director is great.

(The film will premiere for the first time on Star Movies on November 1 at 12 pm and 9 pm.)