Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story is a film that tells the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a young man who became a professional racing driver after mastering the Gran Turismo video game and being recruited by Nissan. The film stars David Harbour as Jack Salter, a former driver turned mechanic who helps train Jann to become a race car driver.
Harbour compares his character, Jack Salter, to iconic film characters such as Robert Duvall in Days of Thunder, John Candy in Cool Runnings, and Emilio Estevez in The Mighty Ducks. He sees the role as an opportunity to channel one of his favorite Gene Hackman performances in the film Hoosiers. Harbour was drawn to the script because it allowed him to remake Hoosiers for a younger generation.
Unfortunately, Harbour’s summer plans to work on Stranger Things 5 and Thunderbolts were delayed due to the ongoing double strike. He expresses his frustration with the lack of resolution and common ground regarding the threat of artificial intelligence. Harbour emphasizes the importance of fair pay and hopes to see the industry get back to work soon.
In the interview, Harbour also discusses his experiences with young actors, recalling how he misjudged the young cast of Stranger Things initially but was pleasantly surprised by their talent. He finds it gratifying to see young actors surpass expectations in the industry.
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When asked about his knowledge of the racing world, Harbour admits that he didn’t know much before working on Gran Turismo. He enjoyed the technical aspects of filming but confesses that racing is not a personal interest of his. He prefers playing video games to being involved in the violent and high-speed world of racing.
During production, Harbour and the cast had the opportunity to test drive the cars used in the film. He describes the experience as both unpleasant and exhilarating, reaching speeds of 130-140 mph. Harbour expresses his disappointment in the delay of his summer projects but remains hopeful for the future and the return to work.
Regarding the ongoing strike, Harbour expresses his concerns about unresolved issues and hopes for fair treatment and compensation for all industry workers. He discusses the uncertainty surrounding the production schedules of Stranger Things 5 and Thunderbolts and acknowledges the speculation surrounding their shooting timelines. He admits to feeling frustrated by the lack of information and wishes for clarity from those in charge.
Lastly, Harbour reflects on the impact of great writing in his career. He recalls his experience with Tom Stoppard’s Broadway play, which he describes as a truly great piece of writing that did a lot of the heavy lifting for him. He recognizes the importance of well-crafted scripts and their ability to elevate performances.
In conclusion, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story is a film that tells the inspiring true story of Jann Mardenborough’s journey from video game player to professional racing driver. David Harbour’s character, Jack Salter, plays a vital role in training and mentoring Jann. Harbour draws inspiration from past iconic film characters and performances, particularly Gene Hackman in Hoosiers. He expresses his frustration with the ongoing strike and the lack of resolution surrounding the threat of artificial intelligence. Despite the setbacks in his summer filming plans, Harbour remains hopeful for the future and emphasizes the importance of fair treatment and compensation for all industry workers. He also reflects on the impact of great writing and its ability to enhance performances.
