WATCHES & TIMEPIECES 133
Just as the word “ Carrera ” itself doesn ’ t have a single meaning – along with “ race ”, it can also be translated as “ career ” or simply “ path ”, the perfect name not just for the daring , but simply for those with independent spirits – so the film , too , contains multitudes .
Not only does it manage to be many movies in one – going from adrenaline-fueled chase film to slapstick comedy to mob drama to Western parody and back again – this mini blockbuster contains a range of easter eggs , each one a nod to the Carrera ’ s illustrious past .
What better way , then , to celebrate its 60th year than with a world-first action extravaganza that few would even think possible ? The film even comes with its own Hollywood posters and timeless taglines . “ How bad does he want that watch ?” reads one . Answer : badly .
It opens in an art-deco hotel corridor as Gosling finds himself chased by swordwielding gang-sters . But the first person we see is an old lady about to enter one of the doors .
Eagle-eyed fans of racing history will notice that she is dressed in the distinctive white sunglass-es of the legendary Jacqueline Evans de López , the British-born Mexican TV and film actress who was not only the first woman to compete in the infamous Panamericana race , but did so five years in a row , between 1950-1954 , in her own Porsche .
She was truly a trailblazer that embodies the spirit of the TAG Heuer Carrera : someone , like the Carrera itself , who refused to go with the status quo .
There are five other hints and homages to the TAG Heuer Carrera ’ s rich history , including significant names , notable numbers , and a glimpse of another iconic figure . See how many you can spot .
Yet it ’ s not just the special effects that make the film so spectacular . Gosling first worked with Bayer when he hosted US comedy institution Saturday Night Live in 2015 and the two found they had an instant comic connection . The duo ’ s duel is as hilarious as it is dramatic , with both actors improvising many of the film ’ s best lines .
“ Prop Master ?” Gosling asks her when they come face-to-face . “ How did you get that ? Did you get a bachelor ’ s first and work your way up to the masters ?”
Issue 58 2023 THE ART OF LUXURY