Chasing Perfect

Chasing Perfect is a captivating documentary film directed by Helena Coan and was released in 2019. It follows the life and endeavors of Frank Stephenson, an acclaimed automobile designer who is widely known for his design of some of the most iconic and lucrative cars of the 21st century.

The film highlights Stephenson's life, passion, inspirations, motivations, struggles and achievements. The documentary takes the audience on a journey encompassing the entire spectrum of his career - from his childhood fascination with vehicles, his dreams of designing cars, to his ascent to the pinnacle of car design leadership, at multinational car companies. Among the major car brands Stephenson has designed for are Mini Cooper, Ferrari, Maserati, and McLaren.

Renowned television host Jay Leno, an automobile enthusiast himself, features in the documentary, offering a meaningful perspective on Stephenson's design philosophy and legacy in the automobile industry. Leno's insight, combined with Stephenson's candour, gives the audience a deeper understanding of the intricate and interesting world of car design.

Chasing Perfect is not just about the beauty and allure of the cars, rather it revolves around the creative process behind those astonishing designs. It digs deeper into Stephenson's ground-breaking approach- which often involves taking inspiration from the laws of nature. Like how his study of a swimming pike fish inspired the aerodynamics of one of the fastest cars in the world, the McLaren P1.

The documentary ensures that the audience becomes privy to the detailed process behind the crafting of these vehicular masterpieces, instead of just glamorizing the finished product. It peers beneath the glossy surface and zooms into the painstaking precision, creativity, and tireless dedication required to create some of the world's most beautiful cars.

Though primarily aimed at car enthusiasts and admirers of Stephenson’s work, Chasing Perfect serves as a source of inspiration for anyone pursuing their dreams. It emphasizes the importance of creativity, innovation, and drawing inspiration from the world around us. Not just a tale of motors and metal, this film reveals a man's unwavering passion for design and a relentless pursuit of perfection that has driven his remarkable journey.

Director Helena Coan has creatively used engaging visuals and dialogues to create an intriguing narrative around Stephenson's life. The director’s skilled storytelling, combined with intriguing cinematic elements, makes the documentary a definite must-watch. The film beautifully captures the emotional connection Stephenson shares with the cars he designs, using stunning cinematography that will keep the audience engaged and entertained.

Chasing Perfect is unique in its approach as it humanizes the usually rigid and technical world of car design. It emphasizes the emotional journey of the designer rather than focusing solely on the end product. The audience gets to witness Stephenson's mix of fear, excitement, and satisfaction at various stages of the design process, adding a layer of human interest to the story.

The film also shines a light on the importance of design in our daily lives, and how it is often taken for granted despite being integral to our experience of the world. It upholds the significance of designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but functional and innovative too. Stephenson’s remarkable knack for blending beauty with utility is a testimony to this.

Chasing Perfect is a heartfelt homage to the artistic spirit and its manifestations, in this case, in the automobile industry. It is a visual treat that unearths the abstract processes behind the physical world we are surrounded with, showcasing the rigorous processes and immense creativity that happen behind the scenes in the world of automotive design.

In conclusion, Chasing Perfect is a compelling documentary for both car enthusiasts and lovers of good cinema. The film carries a universal message about dedication, the pursuit of dreams, and the blend of beauty and function in design. It offers an enriching cinematic experience, and a rare peek into the fascinating world of car design. The passion, creativity, and commitment demonstrated by Frank Stephenson resonates on screen, making it truly a ‘drive’ worth taking.