Rockfish RIP

[about_average]

I have Grand Prix on it's way from Netflix. Haven't seen it in many years.

The actual level of driving ability of the actors varied wildly – Bedford couldn't drive at all and was only ever in the car for close-up shots. Sabàto was very slow and nervous, Montand himself scared very easily early in filming and was often towed rather than driving the car, but Garner was very competent and even took up racing and entering cars as a direct result of his involvement in the film. So impressive were Garner's driving skills that some of the real Formula One drivers, including Graham Hill and Jack Brabham, reportedly told Garner that he could have been a successful Grand Prix driver if he had not gone into acting

Here's a very extensive interview with him.
http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/james-garner#

 

[Noor]

I liked him in Victor/Victoria too!

 

[about_average]

I highly recommend Grand Prix. I'd forgotten how good it is.
If you're a racing fan, you'll love it.
If you are a fan of great cinematography, you'll love it.

Be sure to watch the documentary pieces on the second disk, after you watch the movie. They will give you even more appreciation of the movie and Frankenheimer.

A bit of trivia, James Garner's insurance was canceled during the filming because of something that happened. He drove for the last month with no insurance.
There are a number of Formula 1 racing greats in the movie, some of whom were later killed racing.