Gabriel Clarke and John Mckenna – Directors – Steve McQueen the man and le mans

FRED’s Matt Micucci interviews Gabriel Clarke and John McKenna, who presented their documentary “Steve McQueen: The Man and Le Mans” in the Cannes Classics section of the 68th Cannes Film Festival.

McKenna and Clarke talk with us about how they first realized that the 1971 production of the film “Le Mans” was such an intense production that marked the life of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen.

They also talk with us about how they were able top discover primary source material, some of which is seen and heard for the first time ever, and their aim in revealing and insightful look at the man Steve McQueen, rather than just the actor.

STEVE MCQUEEN: THE MAN AND LE MANS: ‘If we are going to do this, we are going to do it right. No bullshit, no clever twists. It has to be pure and about one race – Le Mans.’

By 1970, Steve McQueen ruled Hollywood. Hot off the back of classics like ‘The Thomas Crown Affair’ and ‘Bullitt’ he could do no wrong. Now the aspiring mogul and racing fanatic could do the movie that was his life’s passion. The making of the film changed his life forever.

Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans interweaves stunning newly discovered footage and voice recordings with original interviews. It is the true story of how a cinema legend would risk almost everything in pursuit of his dream.

Obsession. Betrayal. Vindication. ‘You must carry your film all the way through to the end. You can’t give up and you can’t let a thing go.’ Steve McQueen