Film Review: Unbelievable Story is Key to ‘Framing John DeLorean’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 9, 2019 - 7:12pm

CHICAGO – The story of auto impresario John DeLorean is definitely one of truth is stranger than fiction, but also has a basis in “what ifs?” The fascinating new documentary of his life tells that story, breaking down the vagueness of how a former General Motors superstar got involved in a drug deal to save his own car company. As always, a situation like that has more loopholes.

Rating: 3.5/5.0

There is an strange homage, in a sense, to re-creating scenes in documentaries, with actor Alec Baldwin portraying John DeLorean. But Baldwin also participates in telling the story, often in his DeLorean makeup, and this meta approach is a definite mixed bag. The most interesting participant is DeLorean’s son Zach, now living a middle class life after being the boy who had it all. His coarseness and directness is the most refreshing part of JD’s past, told from the point of view from someone whose life is completely different than what he thought it would be. That’s way more intriguing than putting black eyebrows on Alec Baldwin.

John Zachary DeLorean came up through the automotive ranks in the Mad Men era, becoming the youngest division head at General Motors after taking over the Pontiac brand and inventing the muscle car craze. After success with developing the GTO, Firebird and Grand Prix, DeLorean was itching for his own concept, and quit GM at his peak to form the DeLorean Motor Company.

He spent the better part of the 1970s raising capital and designing his DeLorean concept car. With a stainless steel body, gull wing doors and unique design, it was promoted as a car that would drive for 25 years. He shocked the industry by building his plant near Belfast, Northern Ireland, and proceeded to manufacture the car at a high rate of production. His rush to produce caused problems for the car, and problems for the British government, who wouldn’t fund him anymore. He needed another way to finance his dream.

“Framing John DeLorean” screens locally at The Catlow Theater, 116 West Main, Barrington, Illinois, and is available through Video On Demand. See TV providers for details. Featuring re-creations and interviews with Alec Baldwin, Morena Baccarin, Josh Charles, Zach DeLorean, Kathryn DeLorean and Bob Gale. Written by Dan Greeney and Alexandra Orton. Directed by Don Argott and Sheena M. Joyce. Not Rated.