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Hansal Mehta reviews Brad Pitt's F1: Calls it ‘same drug, different packaging’ that wasted Javier Bardem

Hansal Mehta said that even though Brad Pitt's F1 has "familiar screenwriting" but it works "in parts".

Updated on: Jun 30, 2025 01:07 PM IST
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Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has reviewed actor Brad Pitt's new film F1 and spoken at length about what has worked for the film and what hasn't. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) early on Monday, Hansal praised Brad Pitt, saying that there's "something moving about watching a star who knows how to carry silence and wear fatigue with grace". Hansal said that "the treatment of the supporting cast" in the film "definitely doesn’t work".

Hansal Mehta reviews Brad Pitt's F1

Hansal Mehta spoke about the Brad Pitt-starrer F1.
Hansal Mehta spoke about the Brad Pitt-starrer F1.

Hansal said that even though F1 has "familiar screenwriting" but it works "in parts". He said, "My thoughts on F1. F1 applies every familiar screenwriting trope from the underdog sportsperson playbook: the tormented past, the fractured team, the old-vs-young dynamic, and the predictable trajectory from rock bottom to redemption. You can almost hear the structure ticking away beneath the surface."

Hansal talks about what works in F1

"And yet, despite all that, it works - at least in parts. The racing sequences are thrillingly constructed, shot with the kind of kinetic precision that makes you forget the cliché for a while. The film treats its beautifully ageing lead with near-reverence and rightly so. There’s something moving about watching a star who knows how to carry silence and wear fatigue with grace," he added.

Hansal says F1 didn't do justice to Javier Bardem's character

Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the film tells the story of Sonny Hayes, a veteran Formula One driver played by Brad, who makes a comeback to the sport after a 30-year hiatus. A talented and promising driver, a severe accident ended his career. In the film, Brad's character, Sonny, is brought back into the world of Formula One by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (played by Javier Bardem), who now owns a struggling F1 team.

As Sonny attempts to help the team make a comeback, he faces challenges both on and off the track, including reconciling with his past. F1 also stars Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, Sarah Niles, and others.

 
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Ananya Das

Ananya Das works as Deputy Chief Content Producer with the digital platform of Hindustan Times. She has worked as a journalist for over 13 years, writing about news, movies, lifestyle, celebrities, web series and has a keen interest in K-pop. Ananya has been working with Hindustan Times for nearly five years now. A BA (Hons) in English from Gauhati Univerity, Ananya is also an IIMC Delhi (2013) alum. She has worked in both print journalism and, after working there for some time, she joined the digital platform. Ananya has learnt accuracy, objectivity, deadlines and prioritises verifying facts, maintains ethical standards by being fair and impartial, and works quickly, which is required for digital media.

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Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crickit, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Infographics & much more. Explore now!.

Get more updates from Bollywood, Taylor Swift, Hollywood, Music and Web Series along with Latest Entertainment News at Hindustan Times.
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