1:42.08 Poster

1:42.08 1966

★ 5.621 votes7 min📅 1966-01-01

Dive into the raw energy of speed with *1:42.08* (1966), George Lucas's electrifying senior thesis film that captures the visceral thrill of racing through a hypnotic visual symphony.

Director: George Lucas

Cast

Peter Brock
Himself

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 1:42.08 (1966) about?

*1:42.08* (1966) is a short documentary that turns the thrill of racing into a hypnotic visual experience, focusing on the Lotus 23's blistering laps at Willow Springs Raceway. Without dialogue or plot, it immerses viewers in the raw power of speed through dynamic cinematography and the car's roaring engine.

Who directed 1:42.08?

*1:42.08* was directed by George Lucas as his senior project at the University of Southern California in 1966.

Who stars in 1:42.08?

The film stars Pete Brock, who drove the Lotus 23, along with a 14-man student crew involved behind the camera.

Is 1:42.08 (1966) worth watching?

*1:42.08* may be a niche pick, but it's a fascinating time capsule for film and racing enthusiasts. Its experimental style and George Lucas's early direction make it a compelling watch, though its abstract nature won't appeal to everyone. For those curious about Lucas's roots or early cinema, it's a must-see.

How long is 1:42.08?

*1:42.08* runs for 7 minutes.

About 1:42.08 (1966) — George Lucas's Hypnotic Racing Short Film

Dive into the raw energy of speed with *1:42.08* (1966), George Lucas's electrifying senior thesis film that captures the visceral thrill of racing through a hypnotic visual symphony. Shot in vibrant 16mm color on the challenging curves of Willow Springs Raceway, this 7-minute documentary is less a story and more a pulsating tone poem, where the Lotus 23's roaring engine becomes the heartbeat of the experience. Steering the wheel is Pete Brock, whose driving prowess fuels the film's adrenaline-charged atmosphere, while Lucas's avant-garde direction transforms automotive motion into a mesmerizing abstract dance. It's a cinematic time capsule that marries early filmmaking ingenuity with the unbridled excitement of motorsports.

Framed as a visual experiment rather than a traditional narrative, *1:42.08* strips away dialogue and plot to immerse viewers in pure sensory overload. The film's title, derived from the Lotus 23's lap time, hints at its obsession with precision and pace, creating an immersive portrait that lingers long after the credits roll. A testament to Lucas's early experimental spirit, this short film offers a glimpse into the visionary techniques that would later define his career, all while celebrating the raw, unfiltered power of racing.