Director David Gelb has a knack for seeking out the finer things unique to different countries and bringing it to the big screen. He introduced audiences to the world of 85-year-old Jiro Ono (now 89) in the critically acclaimed documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, putting what was once a hidden secret among Japan’s foodies on the map for intercontinental tourists. Now, Gelb tackles an icon a little closer to home: the Ford Mustang.
With the same cinematic look and feel as Jiro, A Faster Horse goes in-depth into one of America’s favorite cars, the Mustang. With its 50th Anniversary approaching at the time of the film’s production, Gelb is given unique access to the Ford factory in Dearborn, Michigan like no one has before, to document the intricate process of the car’s 5th redesign.
Gelb puts the Chief Program Engineer Dave Pericak front and center as he walks us through the whole five-year process of building a car. First come the sketches, then the execution of clay models made to scale. After the car has been molded, the engineers work tirelessly to design the over 2,000 pieces it takes to put the Mustang together. No doubt, problems arise constantly. Too much buzzing on the steering wheel, parts that won’t quite fit, nothing is spared when capturing this very realistic and raw process. After it’s all said and done, it’s quite clear that the Mustang- and cars in general- are all works of rolling art.
The mustang is more than just a car, and as such, ‘A Faster Horse’ is more than a documentary; it’s an ode to history, memories, and the future.
A Faster Horse does not just focus on the future of the Mustang, in fact, a significant portion of the film is dedicated to its history. The Mustang first debuted in 1964 and since then has remained a cultural American icon. Driving the point home are the high energy montages from various films and commercials dating back to its genesis using the Mustang as its sleek and stoic co-star.
Now, let me say that this is not just a film for gearheads. While the average person may not be familiar with the auto industries technical lingo, the emotion and passion in which the interviewees talk about their job is inspiring. The mustang is more than just a car, and as such, A Faster Horse is more than a documentary; it’s an ode to history, memories, and the future.
Those with even the slightest interest in cars will no doubt leave the film with a higher respect for the Mustang. Assembling his team of college friends, cinematographer Will Basanta and editor Isaac Hagy, Gelb collectively capture the unique essence of the Mustang that is sure to get car enthusiast’s tongues wagging. The level of access Gelb reaches will excite Ford super fans; from secret test drives at night to avoid the paparazzi to internal issues and boardroom conversations, A Faster Horse makes for one thrilling and heartwarming watch.
A Faster Horse opens at the AMC theatre in Burbank and Vimeo.
