There have been many films capturing the adrenaline-charged excitement of motor racing, from the Oscar winning classic Grand Prix and Winning in the 60s to Days Of Thunder in the 90s, and the exciting, character driven Rush is up there with the best of them. One of the great rivalries in motor racing history in the 70s was that between British driver James Hunt and Austrian driver Niki Lauda, who vied for the world championship on the world race tracks. Their fierce rivalry began on the lesser Formula Three circuit in England, but came to a head in 1976. Rush has been written by playwright Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon, etc), who specialises in compelling dramas about actual historical figures. Here he develops well rounded characters and teases out small details about their contrasting personalities and their urge to win at all costs. Morgan’s well-structured and revealing script also explores their flawed nature and their battles with personal demons. Chris Hemsworth delivers an impessive performance as Hunt, who is portrayed as an easy going, swaggering, cocky, womanising, hard drinking, brash, but ambitious and aggressive champion who takes risks on the track and refuses to take much seriously off the track. Daniel Bruhl is also exellent as Lauda, a stolid, humourless, intense but technically brilliant driver who always seems at one with his cars, but who is unpopular on the circuit. Ron Howard has undeniably commercial instincts, and his films are always slickly produced, watchable and very entertaining. He brings a sense of urgency, exhilaration and energy to the material here, and the race sequences are thrilling and visceral. He captures the excitement, thrills, tension, danger and glamour of this world. Thankfully though you don’t necessarily have to be a fan of motor sports to appreciate the drama and human conflicts that propel the slick but surprisingly gritty Rush.
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 15:01:37 +0000
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