The 1971 feature Le Mans is mostly notable as one of actor Steve McQueen's rare commercial flops. Filmmakers Gabriel Clark and John McKenna's documentary on the making of Le Mans offers an intriguing look at why it failed, with most of the blame placed on the star. Initially hoping to be an on-camera participant in the celebrated 24-hour auto race, McQueen was forbidden to drive by the production company's insurance brokers. And when McQueen crashed his personal car during a reckless drive in an evening rainstorm, his personal assistant Mario Iscovich (who broke his arm in the accident) took responsibility (and later lost his job on the film). Two accidents marred Le Mans during production: driver Derek Bell's auto caught fire and left him with facial burns, while driver David Piper lost a leg following a crash. McQueen's behavior became more erratic while on location, including adultery that ultimately derailed his marriage to singer Neile Adams, coupled with a wave of paranoia after learning that he was on the Manson Family's hit list. He also began exerting strong opinions on how to film the Le Mans race, much to the chagrin of director John Sturges. Combining rare behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with surviving members from the production, and archival audio interviews with McQueen, this intriguing look at a doomed film is recommended. (P. Hall)
Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans
FilmRise, 102 min., not rated, DVD: $19.95 Volume 32, Issue 1
Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans
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