Gran Turismo is a film inspired by the real-life experiences of British teenager Jann Mardenborough, who competes as a real-life racing driver in GT Academy, a Nissan-sponsored promotion aimed at rekindling public love for cars. The contest is led by Nissan executive Danny Moore, who dreams of turning gamers into racers. However, Moore is dull and uninteresting as he whittles down the candidates. David Harbour plays Jack Salter, a trainer who delivers an anti-pep talk to the gamers, warning them of failure.
The film’s special effects shots hint at what it might have been had it embraced videogame graphics more decisively. However, blandness prevails, with only one shot swooping and diving onto the cars as they zoom around Le Mans. The film only comes alive during a crash or some hint of fallibility, such as when Danny, based on GT Academy founder Darren Cox, tries to interfere in the selection process to favor a more media-savvy contestant.
Commerce contaminates the whole endeavor, with the original PlayStation product being a driving simulator rather than a mere game. As Jann progresses through the ranks and race-tracks, the movie becomes a simulation of cinema, with scarcely a human fingerprint anywhere on its chassis. The film’s marketing efforts are a bit lacking, as the film is a simulation of cinema, with fe w human fingerprints on its chassis. The story is based on the unbelievable, inspiring true story of a team of underdogs – a struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec – who risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.
