Familiarity with a documentary subject can be a dangerous thing. it colors the way you view the film. It is fun to remember the high points, and it fills the viewer with dread knowing what is about to occur. This was the case at the premiere of The Lionheart at the Heartland International Film Festival last night in Indianapolis.
Laura Brownson’s 108-minute film kicked off the film festival in a sold-out theater. All were looking forward to a story about two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon. Indirectly the film is about Wheldon, but the main focus is on his widow, Susie Wheldon and his sons, Sebastian and Oliver.
The film presents Wheldon’s life and racing career with television highlights and home movies of his early carting career interspersed with the daily lives of Susie helping their sons pursue their racing dreams. Both boys display talent in karting, and they have signed with Andretti Global. Sebastian just completed his first season in F4 juniors and will join him soon.
This is in reality Susie’s story. The scenes of her as she processes her grief tugged at my heart in an all too familiar way. I suffered the same type of loss 10 days after she did.
Yet, it is not a sad tale. The film opens with Dan joking around as he is recording radio promotions. I found joy in seeing the playful Wheldon race fans adored. The story moves forward with vignettes from Tony Kanaan, Dario Franchitti, Dan’s father Clive, and Bryan Herta. You can feel the pain of Dan’s loss when Clive Wheldon’ talks about his son.
Then, as I’m sure most of the audience knew, as the film wound down, Las Vegas reared its ugly head. Sebastian and Oliver were scheduled to race at Las Vegas Speedway in a kart race in the track’s parking lot. Oliver is reluctant to go at first, and I think Susie has some concerns about the trip as well. Sebastian is fine with racing there. Eventually they all make the trip. Susie goes inside the track to the spot of the fatal accident.
There are scenes of the crash, and Susie talks about the horrors she went through that day.
While the title refers to Dan Wheldon, Susie is the star of the story. her resolve to do whatever she can to see that her sons are happy, the sacrifices she makes for them, and her efforts keeping Dan’s memory alive make her the real Lionheart.
The Lionheart will have another showing Saturday, October 14 at 7 pm at Newfields. As of this morning tickets are available. I understand that HBO has purchased the film and it will be released in 2024.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 