Bana competed in the tarmac rally classic in 2007 in his beloved Ford GT Falcon Coupe, and was closely followed by a film crew as his car made its journey around the state.
Sadly for Bana his Targa ended a day early when he crashed into a tree on the famous Cethana stage, near Mole Creek in the state’s north. While the movie star was unhurt, the car – AKA The Beast – was a wreck, a love affair that had lasted 25 years was destroyed and Bana had unwillingly cast himself in his own real life drama.
Love the Beast is a story about the Bana, his first car, a lifetime of ownership and a lifetime of friendship, and features British Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, comedian Jay Leno, and American TV personality, Dr. Phil (Phillip McGraw).
Tasmanian landscapes also get top billing, as the movie is filmed predominantly in the state as Bana’s Targa adventure is brought to life in brilliant high-definition images.
The aerial action of Bana charging through the Targa stages will take the breathtaking scenery of Tasmania across the world as Love the Beast is released internationally.
Adding to its local flavour, Launceston-based Southern Cross television assisted in the production and filming of the movie.
Targa Tasmania director, Mark Perry, believes the movie will boost the profile of the state and the event.
“This is the sort of publicity that money just can’t buy,†Perry said.
“The movie tells a great story and so much of it is centred around Eric’s 2007 Targa. He loved the event and it shows.â€
Perry believes part of the movie’s success will be its wide appeal to those outside of motorsport.
“This is not just a boys movie, or a movie just about cars. If someone significant in your life – a husband, father, brother, sister – is attached to a car or motorsport, this movie will lead you to a better understanding of what makes them who they are. It’s very clever, very well done.â€
Love the Beast will be showing at the cinemas from March 12.
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