The action film Motor City has made a significant splash in the film festival circuit, premiering at the Venice Film Festival on August 30, 2023, and set to screen at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 4, 2023. Directed by Potsy Ponciroli, known for his work on Old Henry, the film has garnered praise for its unique approach to storytelling, featuring minimal dialogue throughout its runtime.
Critics have been captivated by the film’s innovative style, with Deadline describing it as “dazzling” and others noting its almost complete absence of spoken words. The film reportedly contains only five lines of dialogue, leading reviewers to label it a “loud movie” that relies on visual storytelling combined with intense sound design. According to The Wrap, this approach allows for a rich tapestry of “grunts, groans, thuds, and explosions,” emphasizing the film’s kinetic energy.
Set in 1970s Detroit, Motor City stars Alan Ritchson as John Miller, an autoworker caught in a web of crime and betrayal. He faces off against a drug dealer portrayed by Ben Foster and a corrupt cop played by Pablo Schreiber. After being framed and imprisoned, Miller seeks vengeance and hopes to reunite with his fiancée, Sophia, played by Shailene Woodley. Interestingly, while the story is rooted in Detroit, the film was shot in New Jersey, which offers more favorable film incentives than Michigan.
The film’s immersive experience was a goal for Ponciroli, who stated, “The absence of words allowed us to lean fully into the physical language of the characters.” He emphasized that the film’s score, which includes classic tracks like Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” curated by Jack White, enhances the emotional depth and narrative drive.
With its electrifying action sequences reminiscent of classic 1970s crime dramas, Motor City presents an engaging blend of muscle cars, gunfire, and emotional stakes. The film is currently seeking distribution to reach a wider audience, with optimism that it will find a home in multiplexes after its showing at TIFF.
Ritchson expressed a desire for the film to transcend niche appeal, stating, “I want everybody to enjoy this and it not just to be for a tiny niche audience. And I think we did it.” As the festival circuit unfolds, audiences and critics alike are eager to see how this audacious cinematic experiment will resonate beyond the art-house scene.
