Film Review: MOTORCYCLE MARY
by Karen Pecota

Haley Watson | United States | 2024

Filmmaker Haley Watson is known for her sixth sense discovering narratives that will grab at the heart—relatable, intimate and precisely crafted in order to exemplify and honor real people. Her style digs deep into human experience. Her craft came to light when she discovered and pitched the original story for the 2021 Academy Award-winning THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL.

Watson began to accompany storytelling with the use of her camera, and over time her unique sense of a story transitions into directing a narrative to emulate the main principle that will engage in the audience. Watson’s expertise has been honored by AFI’s Cinematography Intensive for Women and ASC’s Vision Mentorship Program. Clients such as Puma and Microsoft have also hailed her talents for directing narratives and commercials.

Watson presents her short documentary directorial debut with MOTORCYCLE MARY, the untold story of Mary McGee, a legend in motorsports. Watson sets the camera in front of McGee and gives her full reign to tell her remarkable story. A pioneer in a sport that first terrified her, to own with passionate love, the art of speed and precision in a man’s world of racing cars and motorcycles.

Watson says, “Mary is a resounding reminder that women can do anything.”

McGee was born in the World War II era and became an extremely fearful child, but with the help of her brother, Jim, she overcame this adversity that allowed her to discover a love for racing, first cars, and eventually, motorcycles. This passion transferred to new heights when her friend, and fellow racer, Steve McQueen, encouraged her to try the race in the desert, the grueling Baja 500, and do it solo with her motorcycle.

McGee eloquently shares the steps she took to pursue this challenge. It’s a thrilling ride for the audience to imagine and visualize with Watson’s use of archival film footage, and still photography, to accompany her narrative. Watson adds, “Along with her extensive list of glass ceilings broken for women in various motorsport disciplines, including transcending gender and becoming the first person to ride the Baja 500 solo on a motorcycle. She demonstrates unmatched courage with a sense of grace.” A remarkable virtue!

“Mary chose to face her fears, breathe, and just say yes to life.” ~ Haley Watson.