Weekend of a Champion

Weekend of a Champion is an iconic piece of documentary filmmaking from the year 1972, a piece that brings together the creative forces of Jackie Stewart, Roman Polanski, and Grace Kelly. This critically acclaimed film spotlights one of the most thrilling eras of Formula One racing through the eyes of one of its most dominant and captivating figures, Jackie Stewart.

The leading figure and subject of the film is the wildly popular Scottish racing driver, Sir Jackie Stewart. Known as the "Flying Scot", Stewart was then a two-time Formula One World Champion, and a figurehead of the sport. The film is a brilliant portrayal of a man at the pinnacle of his career, blending stunning on-track footage with invaluable personal insights.

The cameras follow Stewart through the exhilarating 1971 Monaco Grand Prix weekend, which remains one of the most prestigious events on the Formula One calendar. With Roman Polanski at the helm, the film remarkably encapsulates every moment of tension, excitement, and uncertainty in the 48 hours leading up to the grand race. It altogether creates a spectacularly intimate portrayal of the conditions and pressures of the sport.

Polanski leaves no stone unturned in his quest to capture the racer's life, paralleling the real-life drama of Formula One with a cinéma vérité style. The sheer intimacy of the scenes is often breathtaking. Whether it's in the nerve-wracking build-up to the race or the banal moments of relaxation, Polanski diligently documents every detail of Stewart's weekend. Through his documentary form, he paints a picture of professional sport that is as much about the individual personality as it is about the thunderous spectacle.

The film goes beyond the track to provide a close-up view of Stewart's life. It explores the Scottish star's routines, hobbies, friendships, fears, and obsessions. We follow him through the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, through meetings with other racers, through technical preparations with engineers, and more. The film captures the lifestyle of a racing champion with all the drama and detail of a character study.

Not underplaying the role of the wonderful Grace Kelly, the Princess of Monaco, whose cameo adds an unanticipated, but delightful, dash of Hollywood glamour to the otherwise intense sporting narrative. Her inclusion perfectly underlines the allure and status of the Monaco Grand Prix. It’s also a testament to this film's extraordinary access and commitment to capturing the spirit of Formula One during its heyday.

Importantly, Weekend of a Champion doesn’t shy away from tackling the dangers of the sport. At a time when the sport was notoriously risky, it brings to the forefront the sobering reality behind the glamour and high speeds. The film often dwells on the fragility and vulnerability of the sport's brave participants, producing a strand of narratives that brings an unexpected profundity to the film.

Weekend of a Champion was met with great admiration at the time for its intimate access, its meticulous depiction of the racing world and for its unfiltered portrayal of a living legend. Today, it remains a macrocosmic time capsule of a time when racing was brash, dangerous, and unapologetically glamorous. For racing fans and car enthusiasts, this film is a treasure trove of nostalgic delights. But for cinema-goers in general, this is a film that represents the best of what a sports documentary can achieve.

The film doesn't just pay homage to a bygone era of Formula One but also delves into the psyche of a champion. It's a profound exploration of what it means to risk your life for a passion, and how that passion can justify the risks. The film brilliantly captures the charisma and charm that made Stewart an icon of his age, equally matched by the strength of his driving brilliance. By the end of the film, Stewart emerges not only as a champion racer but a champion of the human spirit.

A genuinely captivating documentary, Weekend of a Champion is a must-watch for everyone who appreciates the combustible mix of speed, skill, danger, and drama that constitutes the high-stakes world of Formula One. Polanski's artistic mastery, Stewart's magnetic on-screen presence and the backdrop of the glamorous Monaco Grand Prix together create a riveting portrait of an era and its champion.