> Love the Beast
Director: Eric Bana
Cast: Eric Bana, Jeremy Clarkson, Jay Leno, Phil McGraw, Steve Coad, Grant Denyer, Todd Kelly, Jim Richards
Rating: (M)
4 stars (out of 5)
Reviewed by Mark Orton
The "beast" in question is a 1974 Ford GT Falcon Coupe.
Purchased for $1100 by a 15-year-old Eric Banadinovich, the coupe is the campfire that an adult Eric Bana and his working class mates gather around.
Love the Beast isn't some scary trip into autoeroticism, rather it's an insight into mateship and motor racing.
With Bana's acting profile and resources, he is not only able to transform a classic car into a piece of art, he can call on some heavyweight contacts.
Jeremy Clarkson's amusing anecdotes are far too fleeting, while Dr Phil lingers longer than he should.
The surprise is Jay Leno - his car collection would be an ideal adjunct to Lord Montague's.
However, it's the constant presence of Bana's band of brothers that provides the finest moments.
From reminiscing about teenage cruising, to the team effort of meticulously preparing "the beast" for the Targa Tasmania, it's clear that Bana remains devoted to those who have been there from the beginning.
Bana is not only mad about motorsport, he totally relishes moments away from the limelight to swing some wrenches with mates.
Superbly paced and wonderfully shot, Bana's directorial flair more than matches his guiding passion.
Best thing: The unadulterated honesty. As Bana's mate Jack says: "You'll never get laid driving an Alfa Romeo".
Worst thing: Experiencing the anguish of Bana's moment of indecision in the Targa Tasmania.
See it with: Any autophile in need of a good yarn.
