Bernie ‘Lucky’ Ecclestone, a blue-ribbon documentary by Manish Pandey (Jiva Maya Productions)
Bernie Ecclestone has been the mastermind of the modern history of F1. What we watch today is the result of his relentless work. Nevertheless, most of the times factors became known when somebody has the ‘vision’ and skill to bring it to life to people. Manish Pandey has been that person who shows us the history of Formula 1 told by Ecclestone. Through Bernie’s words, many details are clarified, others are insinuated or given clues to be investigated.
Ways to watch ‘Lucky’
@CARSaLaCarta has had the great honour of interviewing Mr. Manish Pandey in exclusive. His eight episodes, one hour documentary on Bernie Ecclestone has been named ‘Lucky’. From my point of view, ‘Lucky’ is one of the best works on Formula 1. And it can be watched in three different ways.
First as a documentary to revive a long-gone era of Formula 1. An era that started in the late 50’s to officially end on January 23rd, 2017. The archive films and images perfectly supplement what Bernie Ecclestone explains. Then, this documentary could be better taken advantage of if it is used as a scaffold for further investigations. This second path is for journalists and fans who want to go deeper in order to understand the series placed at the summit of internal combustion engine car racing.
Finally, the third way; a way that I named ‘The Legacy’.
The Legacy
This is the Legacy to a young baby who is his son. A baby that will hardly enjoy of the father-son relation due to the enormous age difference. Bernie knows very well this so — after watching ‘Lucky’ — it seems he has recorded his Legacy for his son Ace. His blue eyes are intended not for any watcher, but only for one. His name: Ace; his surname: Ecclestone.
Ace is his only male heir, something of utmost importance. To provide Ace with the best opportunities, he was born in Switzerland — the bank of the World and the only neutral country amid belligerent countries in both wars.
Age is an implacable foe. Not even the mighty Thor could defeat it proving that neither his faithful Mjölnir (Thor’s hammer) could against Elli (old age). Realising that neither Ecclestone nor any other mortal could succeed when Thor found his Achilles heel, he wants not to be forgotten in sight and voice by Ace, in his boyhood and adulthood. An action that no father could avoid if he realises that Hel (God of the Death) could appear anytime, anywhere.
Money
After thinking, and thinking again, the power of money seems powerless. Bernie, who had been married twice before he tied the knot to Fabiana Flosi, has realised he has been too busy for business to be too busy for a family. This confession is done by the same Bernie in ‘Lucky’.
Perhaps this has been the result of the continuous struggle to climb up the social ladder from his humble origins. Origins and works that he proudly displays, not very different from the early XXth Century immigrants who had to give their most and best to get a spot in society. On the top, looking everybody from the heights, Bernie Ecclestone makes amendments with the World.
To round up
Lucky is a great documentary. It is well worth to sit and watch it. Visually is impeccable and the archive footage of very first quality and enriches Ecclestone’s words. You can choose the way to enjoy it. I have chosen the third one, the one that pictures how money can’t buy the dearest dream, to see a son to grow up. Now it is up to you to decide if Bernie is a lucky man or not. -
A special thanks to Mr. Manish Pandey for his time and kindness.
Images: Mr Manish Pandey
Links to complement this article:
Interview on radio: https://go.ivoox.com/rf/102557695
YouTube programme: https://youtu.be/Yh8aLgDCWDw
A two-episode comment on Bernie Ecclestone:
Link 1: https://go.ivoox.com/rf/101838834
Link 2: https://go.ivoox.com/rf/102227046
Article on medium: @CARSaLaCarta asks Manish Pandey
