Watch Weekend of a Champion

Weekend of a Champion is a unique documentary film that provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of Formula One racing. The film follows the legendary Scottish driver Jackie Stewart as he prepares for and competes in the 1971 Monaco Grand Prix. Directed by Roman Polanski, who is also featured on-screen as a filmmaker interested in the technical aspects of racing, the film captures Stewart's incredible skill both on and off the track. Combining stunning footage of the cars hurtling around the narrow streets of Monaco with insightful interviews and candid moments, Weekend of a Champion is a must-see for anyone interested in motor racing.

The film opens with Polanski meeting Stewart at his hotel in Monaco, where the driver is relaxing with his wife, Helen, and their young sons. As the two men chat, it becomes clear that Polanski is keen to explore Stewart's approach to racing and pick his brain about the technical details of the car and the track.

From there, we see Stewart preparing for the race, both mentally and physically. He explains his pre-race rituals, such as wearing the same underwear and socks he wore when he won the previous year's race in Monaco, and talks about the importance of visualization to his success.

As the race weekend unfolds, we see Stewart at various stages of preparation, from testing the car in practice runs to analyzing footage of his competitors. We also get a sense of the intense pressure that comes with being a top-level driver, as Stewart has to deal with the expectations of his team and the media as well as his own desire to win.

Throughout the film, Polanski demonstrates a deep understanding of the technical details of racing and the various strategies that drivers use to gain an advantage. He's not afraid to ask probing questions, and his conversations with Stewart are illuminating as they explore the nuances of the sport.

But what really makes Weekend of a Champion stand out is its ability to capture the thrill of the race itself. The footage of the cars zooming through the narrow streets of Monaco is truly awe-inspiring, and the sound design expertly conveys the power and speed of the engines. Even if you're not a racing fan, it's hard not to be swept up in the excitement of these incredible machines hurtling around the track.

Of course, no documentary about racing would be complete without some drama, and Weekend of a Champion doesn't disappoint in that regard. We see Stewart struggle with the car throughout the practice runs, and there's a tense moment when it seems like he might not even qualify for the race at all. But through it all, Stewart remains calm and focused, never losing sight of his goal.

As the race approaches, the tension mounts, and the film does an excellent job of conveying the chaos and unpredictability of the event. There are crashes and collisions, and it's clear that anything can happen at any moment. But through it all, Stewart remains in control, calmly executing his strategy and making the most of every opportunity.

Even if you've never heard of Jackie Stewart or Formula One racing before, Weekend of a Champion is an incredible documentary that will leave you breathless. Polanski's expert direction and Stewart's amazing skill make for an unforgettable viewing experience, one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're a fan of racing or not, this is a film that deserves to be seen.

Weekend of a Champion is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 63.