Got to see Senna last night
For a bit of context, I only got into F1 around 1990-1 and am far from a dedicated fan now, so I was only vaguely familiar with a lot of the early stuff and didn't know the details of the Senna/Prost rivalry. So I don't know if a huge fan might have different views, but I thought this film was about as good as it could possibly be
It's told exclusively through stock footage, with voices over the top. There is a lot of interview footage with Senna himself - which is fascinating stuff, lots of it very philosophical. Otherwise it is modern interviews, including with his sister and the F1 doctor who was a close friend and was first to treat him in San Marino. A few races are featured, with the sense of speed and skill required portrayed really well, even with old footage. There is also some incredible 'behind the scenes' footage such as extended shots of the drivers' pre-race meetings, including in Japan the year after Senna's disqualification, when he storms out, and talking about safety the week of the San Marino grand prix.
There are some amazing sequences: one of his early races in Monaco when he describes his driving perfection as like driving 'as if in a tunnel' / his victory in Brazil where he drove with only sixth gear for several laps and is in immense pain afterwards, but still forces himself to lift the brazilian flag and the trophy / the closing 20 minutes or so set over the San Marino race weekend.
Highly recommended, would be interested to hear what anyone else thought of it