“Gran Turismo: From Player to Runner” arrived in theaters in August 2023, and many connoisseurs of the game may be wondering: What story will the film tell? The question is pertinent because in GT there is no narrative that allows the script. However, in the film the game serves as a springboard for a radical change in the life of Jann Mardenborough, a player who ended up becoming a real pilot thanks to the game.
Inspired by the PlayStation game of the same name, Sony’s new film mixes the world of motorsports and video games, appropriating a real and unusual story. The protagonist of the film, the British Jann Mardenborough, has always been a passionate Gran Turismo player since he was very young.
Jan’s father Steve noticed his son’s interest in racing and took him to a go-kart track when he was eight; the boy was already attracting attention. However, financial issues turned him away from his newfound skill. After a while the local rink closed and the one closest to his home charged very high prices. “I stopped when I was eleven because it got too expensive,” Jan said in an interview with The Guardian.
His alternative was to go back to his room and play. Day after day, he challenged himself to be the best, and that’s when the opportunity to face other players arose. Jann’s desire to step off the screen and drive a real car also seemed to be a concern for Sony and Nissan. In 2008, the companies came together to create the GT Academy competition, which to this day reveals talent in an unorthodox way, but which, so far, has been successful.
Then, in 2011, at the age of 19, the boy participated in the Gran Turismo 5 online competition. Among 90,000 online players, Jann stood out as one of the eight best in Europe and took the prize of going to a real track in a test at Brands Hatch. He won and went to Silverstone, where he competed again and secured a place in the GT Academy, thus finally being able to be one of the names of the big race of the 24 Hours of Dubai.
The level of precision of the video game Gran Turismo, which became famous for creating an environment that escapes the imagination and reflects the physical appearance, has not only prepared online players for the tracks, but also renowned drivers, such as Lewis Hamilton, have already It is permitted to use simulators to train for competitions.
What is truth and what is fiction?
Many filmmakers love to enrich a real story with fictional aspects, and Gran Turismo is no different. While there are many important aspects of Jann’s life and journey, not everything is true.
The character of Danny Moore, for example, played by Orlando Bloom, is a Nissan marketing executive who, in the film, is presented as the creator of the GT Academy concept, but in real life the credit goes to Darren Cox.
Some characters also had their names changed, but they were inspired by important people in Jann Mardenborough’s career. She looks up to the character of David Harbour, who serves as a mentor to the protagonist.
Gran Turismo: From Player to Runner is directed by Neill Blomkamp and features actor Archie Madekwe in the role of Jann Mardenborough. The cast also includes Geri HalliWell, Darren Barnet, Djimon Hounsou and Emelia Hartford. The film is available in several theaters across the country.
Watch the trailer
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Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
