Hitting the Apex

Hitting the Apex is a 2015 documentary film that focuses obsessively on the world of MotoGP racing, the personalities and speed demons that burn rubber on its tracks, and the ripple effect it has on their personal and professional lives. Brad Pitt not only acts as the charismatic narrator but is also on board as producer, adding a dose of mainstream appeal to this documentary. MotoGP racers Jorge Lorenzo and Jose Manuel Lorenzo also make appearances, adding a touch of authenticity and expertise to the film's narrative.

The title 'Hitting the Apex' is a racing term referring to navigating a turn at maximum speed. More than just a catchy phrase, it's a metaphor for the film's themes – speed, danger, ambition, and the razor-sharp edge between triumph and disaster. Directed by Mark Neale, 'Hitting the Apex' is not just a love letter to the sport, or a mere chronicle of its history. It's a thought-provoking dive into the psychology of the racetrack, an exploration of the human risks and the high stakes that accompany the irresistible lure of speed and adrenaline.

The film revolves mostly around six racers, two of which are Jorge Lorenzo and Jose Manuel Lorenzo. It chronicles their journeys from being 'also-rans' to the top of the MotoGP heap, carrying the viewer through their rise and fall, their unforgettable victories, and painful crashes. The filmmakers have secured incredible access to the behind-the-scenes world of MotoGP, offering unparalleled insights into this world.

Jorge Lorenzo, considered one of the greatest Spanish riders in the sport, is portrayed with a mix of reverence and candid honesty. His career highs and lows, his intense rivalries, and his struggle with injury and criticism, are laid bare. The documentary also sheds light on Jose Manuel Lorenzo, enriched by candid chats and on and off-track footage.

Brad Pitt's narration subtly commands attention. His unfeigned enthusiasm for the sport, mixed with a dash of star power, draws the viewer into the trials and tribulations of a racer's life. At once educating, tragic, and exhilarating, Pitt's voice carries the emotional heft of the film, successfully capturing the thrill and the terror of living life on the edge.

'Hitting the Apex' is not all about motorcycles and racetracks; it also serves as a sociological study of the men behind the helmets. We get a sense of the personal cost of their dedication to the sport - the physical risk, the mental strain, and the illogical desire to push past their limits. At the same time, we witness their humanity - their fear, their ambition, their vulnerability - peeking through their tough exteriors.

The audience gets a front-row seat to not only the racing action but also some high-stakes dramas that unfold off the track. The significant focus is the rivalry between riders, tracing the evolution of relationships as the competition heats up. It's a competition tainted by both brotherhood and hostility, by respect and disdain, and by friendship pushed to its limit.

'Hitting the Apex' also manages to be visually stunning, with high-octane shots of races, daring angles of death-defying stunts, and intimate captures of personal moments. However, it's the narrative that grips the viewer most strongly. It questions the not-so-obvious truths: Why do these riders risk everything—life and limb—to ride? What fuels their obsessive need for speed and adrenaline?

In summary, 'Hitting the Apex' is a compelling exploration of a sport, its stars, and the struggle that comes with chasing dreams and ambitions at breakneck speeds. Its charm lies not just in its penetrating portrayal of MotoGP but also its ability to make the viewer understand, empathize, and care about this high-octane world. It is a stylish, deeply insightful, and thoroughly engaging piece of cinema that celebrates a sport's thrill, intensity, and human side, led by an engaging Brad Pitt who clearly loves the world he is dealing with.