Iconic actor Steve McQueen is as well known for his love for all things automotive as he is for his on-screen career. Before his death in 1980, the King of Cool amassed one of the most famous car collections in the world. But he wasn't just a collector. McQueen also was a bona fide racer who could hold his own with the best on the tracks. Now, a new documentary, highly recommended by E3 Spark Plugs, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of McQueen's life and work during the making of his 1971 classic, Le Mans.
Helmed by directors Gabriel Clarke and John McKenna, Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans is made primarily from outtakes and never before seen footage captured during the making of the original cult-classic film. Le Mans starred McQueen as Michael Delaney, an American competitor in the 24-hour Grand Prix race in France who returns after a horrific accident that killed a fellow driver.
Video in the new documentary film is overlaid with audio of McQueen himself describing the experience of making the film.
As described by the filmmakers: "Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans is the story of obsession, betrayal and ultimate vindication. It is the story of how one of the most volatile, charismatic stars of his generation, who seemingly lost so much he held dear in the pursuit of his dream, nevertheless followed it to the end."
The film debuted at the Cannes Film Festival in the South of France and is set for a limited theatrical release in Los Angeles and New York on November 13. It'll hit DVD distribution in early December, so make sure it's on your gift buying list for yourself and your fellow racing buffs.
