Critical reflection

 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-d960UbVbvQjXoO0Pws2GkOiwYua_wGCTxkIhgJ-Skw/edit?addon_store&tab=t.0

Critical reflection

                             Jake DelNegri

Our film tells the story of David, a man who dreams of becoming a race car driver but struggles with self-doubt. This theme is something that many people can relate to especially when it comes to facing big challenges. David’s journey isn’t just about racing cars; it’s about overcoming fear and finding the motivation to go after something you really want, even when you're scared.

A key moment in the film is when David receives the phone call inviting him to race against the best driver in Florida. At first, this phone call terrifies him. He’s not sure if he’s ready, and all his doubts about his skills and worthiness start to flood his mind. This moment of fear reflects the very real emotions that people experience when they’re given an opportunity they’ve worked for but feel unprepared for. It’s a feeling that anyone who has ever had to step out of their comfort zone can relate to. But as the call ends, David begins to gain confidence. He starts to see the challenge as a way to prove to himself that he can do it. This moment shifts his mindset what started as a source of fear becomes his motivation to push forward and take on the race.

Me, who wrote the story, wanted to highlight how facing our fears, no matter how scary, can push us to grow and achieve things we never thought possible. It’s a powerful message for anyone who’s ever doubted themselves when given an important opportunity. Just like David, we all face moments of uncertainty, but with courage and perseverance, we can transform that fear into something positive. The film shows that overcoming self-doubt is key to realizing our dreams, and David’s transformation speaks to anyone who has ever been unsure of their abilities but decided to take a leap anyway.

When Nathaniel, who handled the production, started working on the film, he made sure every element of the production helped create a sense of identity for the movie. The cars, of course, became a huge part of that branding. From the sleek, powerful machines to the way they roared through the streets, the cars are more than just vehicles—they represent success, power, and the realization of David’s dream. We wanted to make sure the audience would associate the film with that feeling of excitement and achievement.

The visual style of the movie and everything from the camera angles to the colors we used reinforced this branding. Nathaniel used tracking shots to follow the cars, making them feel fast and dynamic, drawing the audience into the action. The close-ups on the cars and the intense sound of the engines help make the cars feel larger than life, symbolizing David’s growing ambition and confidence. Everything in the movie is designed to pull the viewer into this world of high stakes, speed, and passion. The cars were carefully chosen not just for their looks, but because they felt like the kind of cars you’d see in a big racing competition.

The costumes, especially David’s racing suit, also played a part in building the movie’s brand. It’s a simple detail, but it turns David into a professional, showing that he’s not just a dreamer anymore he’s a part of this world. The combination of cars, costumes, and camera work created a strong sense of branding that gave the film a polished, professional feel, and really helped bring the story of David’s journey to life.

The way we set up the film, it’s designed to grab the audience right from the start and never let go. The sound of the engines, the sight of the cars speeding down the road it all pulls the viewer in and makes them feel like they’re part of the race. From the first rev of the engine, you’re right there with David, feeling the intensity and excitement of the race. The loud sounds and fast cars immediately put the audience in the middle of the action.

But it’s not just about the cars or the race it’s about David’s emotional journey, too. I made sure that David wasn’t just a one-dimensional character who loves cars. He’s someone who struggles with fear and self-doubt. As David’s internal conflict grows, the audience can’t help but feel invested in his story. They root for him, hoping he’ll overcome his insecurities and prove to himself that he can win. The race isn’t just about beating another driver; it’s about David proving to himself that he’s capable.

The way we shot the film helps enhance this emotional engagement. Slow-motion shots during key moments and close-ups of David’s face bring the audience closer to his thoughts and feelings. The tension builds throughout the film, especially as the race gets closer, and by the time we reach the climax, the audience is fully immersed in David’s world. They’re not just watching the race—they’re living it with him, feeling every moment of uncertainty and excitement. That emotional connection is what makes the film so engaging for the viewer.

When we started planning the film, Nathaniel and I both did a lot of research into other racing films to see what worked and what we could do differently. We noticed that a lot of racing films focus mostly on the action the races themselves, the speed, and the adrenaline. While we didn’t want to shy away from that, we wanted to make sure our film was more than just another car chase. We wanted the audience to connect with David’s journey, not just the race.

I was particularly interested in breaking away from the typical “hero” racing character. Instead of David being this perfect, fearless driver from the start, we made him someone who struggles with his confidence. This decision added more depth to the character and made his success feel earned, not just a result of natural talent. The research into other films made us realize that focusing on David’s growth as a person would make the race feel more meaningful, not just like a spectacle.

The way we filmed the race itself was also a result of our research. We didn’t just use fast cuts and wide shots of the action. We included intimate moments, showing David’s expressions and his thoughts during the race. Like inside the car seeing the other drivers reaction to losing and David's reaction to being able to win and become a hot shot.This was a deliberate choice to challenge the convention of racing films, which often focus more on the spectacle and less on the emotional journey of the characters. By using close-ups and slower shots, we made sure the race was as much about David’s internal struggle as it was about the physical action. We safely used these features to bring the audience into perspective and give them a reflective feeling.

Through this research and these choices, we were able to challenge traditional conventions in racing films and create something that felt fresh and emotionally engaging, while still delivering the excitement that audiences expect from a racing story. This is what separates our film from traditional movies and gives it a spark and sense of “specialness” that delivers for the audience. Thank you.