Ken Walks Peter Through a Lap of Le Mans

Written by Jez Butterworth & John-Henry Butterworth and Jason Keller for the feature film Ford v Ferrari, this quiet, intimate duologue takes place at night in a child's bedroom. Miles tucks his son Peter into bed after discovering a hand-drawn map of the Le Mans circuit under the covers. What begins as a step-by-step walkthrough of the track's corners and speeds quickly shifts into an honest exchange about the father's obsession with perfection and the anger that accompanies it.

Miles is an intense, working-class competitor whose inner life is governed by extreme focus, yet in this moment he reveals an open, protective tenderness toward his son. Beneath his technical command of racing lies a man aware of his own shortcomings, quietly grappling with the impossible standard he sets for himself. Peter is observant, affectionate, and emotionally intuitive. Rather than merely being fascinated by fast cars, Peter looks directly at his father's behavior and asks disarming questions that pierce through adult rationalizations.

This scene offers actors an outstanding opportunity to showcase conversational realism, sensory recall, and nuanced emotional restraint. For Miles, the challenge lies in bringing technical driving terminology to life through vivid inner imagery while simultaneously maintaining a gentle bedside demeanor. The piece does not rely on shouting or overt conflict to generate tension; instead, it hinges on active listening, vulnerability, and the subtle shift that occurs when a parent realizes their child truly sees them.

Running approximately two minutes, this text is ideally suited for self-tapes, agent showcases, drama school auditions, and ongoing scene study. It is particularly effective for actors working within Parent, Working Class, Everyman, and Vulnerable casting profiles who want to highlight their capacity for warmth, stillness, and emotional availability.

Treat the description of the circuit as an imaginative journey designed specifically to soothe and engage a child, anchoring each bend, gear change, and straightaway in distinct sensory details. Avoid rushing through the technical jargon; let the changing speeds of the car dictate your vocal cadence and breath. When the conversation pivots toward perfectionism and anger, allow the child's insight to land fully before responding, resisting the temptation to brush off the moment with easy humor.