Gran Turismo: Should You Play the Video Game or Watch the Movie?
An opinion of how faithfully does the film capture the gaming experience
In recent years, we’ve witnessed a growing trend in the film industry where producers are keen to adapt the fictional worlds and narratives of video games for the silver screen. Notable examples include the recent collaboration between HBO and ‘The Last of Us’ (PlayStation), which has received nominations in 24 categories for the Emmys, making it the first live-action video game adaptation to earn such significant Emmy recognition.
And now, the subject of our discussion today: the Gran Turismo movie titled ‘From Player to Racer.’ But how faithfully does the film capture the gaming experience, especially on a PlayStation 5? Let’s dive into our dual-world experience.
Opinion: To Play Gran Turismo 7 or to Watch the Movie?
Navigating the Fine Line Between Simulation & Reality
‘Gran Turismo: From Player to Racer’ is a cinematic venture inspired by the life of Jann Mardenborough, a professional racing driver who embarked on his journey by playing the video game Gran Turismo. Over time, he evolved into a prominent figure in both the motorsport world and the realm of video games, all thanks to the visionary minds at Polyphony Digital.
As such, the film’s narrative revolves around the essential role the racing simulator plays in Mardenborough’s path to success. As ardent Gran Turismo enthusiasts, we couldn’t help but notice that much of what we witnessed on screen aligns with the latest iteration for the PlayStation 5.
For instance, the movie’s lead character, portrayed by Archie Madekwe, mentions the meticulous adjustments one can make to virtually every nut and bolt within the car’s engine, a feat made possible by the simulator’s extensive customization options.
Moreover, there’s a noteworthy scene where they discuss the crystallization of the brakes in the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3, the movie’s automotive star. This is an occurrence that one can relate to not because of professional mechanical expertise, but due to the immersive realism inherent in Gran Turismo 7.
This realism is cultivated through countless hours of console racing, and it’s entirely feasible, especially in competitions demanding meticulous simulation settings, such as those involving tire wear, fuel consumption, and more.
On another note, the circuits featured in ‘Gran Turismo: From Player to Racer’ faithfully mirror their PlayStation 5 counterparts. Take, for instance, the Nürburgring, a renowned German circuit featured prominently in both the movie and the video game. The cinematic representation remarkably mirrors the experience as it appears on our gaming consoles.
Vehicles
In terms of vehicles, the movie showcases a selection of iconic cars, including the Porsche 911 GT3, the Lamborghini Huracán driven by the antagonist, and the Nissan GT-R. All of these cars are available for players to commandeer in the PlayStation 5 version, and when coupled with adaptive trigger feedback, haptic responses, and even speaker integration, the gaming immersion rivals the cinematic experience. For an in-depth exploration, you can delve into our comprehensive Gran Turismo 7 review.
Nevertheless, ‘Gran Turismo: From Player to Racer,’ co-starring David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, takes certain artistic liberties with timelines that diverge from the actual life events of the protagonist racing driver. Nevertheless, these discrepancies do not detract from the strong connection the movie maintains with the video game. Both works effectively transport the realm of motorsport into the hearts and minds of gamers and cinephiles alike.
As a gamer, faced with the choice between rewatching the movie or diving into Gran Turismo, the latter would invariably win. Its unparalleled depth and immersive qualities make it the preferred option. However, the choice ultimately rests with each individual, as they embark on crafting their unique narrative within the confines of the video game.
Follow @1gorFraga as he took on Round 5 of Super GT at Suzuka. #GT7 #SUPERGT pic.twitter.com/OA0y7DXplv
— Gran Turismo (@thegranturismo) September 15, 2023
By Marcos Rabía.