Rush (2013) Movie Review

Formula 1 racing was reaching its apex of popularity in the 1970’s.  Following suit in that era was the emerging rivalry between its 2 greatest competitors, Niki Lauda and James Hunt.  The story that emerged between these 2 rivals is the basis for Ron Howard’s ‘Rush’.

Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) takes a level-headed, numbers approach to his racing.  He sees everything in terms of percentages and probabilities, refusing to take chances and instead focusing on vehicle high-performance and his astute intellect to take him to the finish line.  He also refuses to play politics and alienates himself to his peers with his matter-of-factness.

James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth), on the other hand, is a charismatic hotshot living each day as if it is his last.  Endless parties, loves and bottles dictate his approach to racing, for in Hunt’s mind: Every race could be his last.  James is everyone’s friend, yet lacks the maturity and grace to garner sponsorship when he desperately needs it.

As Niki calculates his way into Formula 1 racing, Hunt follows.  Niki quickly becomes the leader, pushing Hunt to drive harder to not only become the World Champion, but also to finally put Niki in his place.  When a horrific accident takes Niki out of the car, he must fight to get back on the track before Hunt can solidify his impending World Champion title.

Chris Hemsworth may be the most charming actor working today.   Watching him on screen as Hunt reminds me of a young Tom Cruise taking off to flight school as Maverick.  All cocky assuredness and confidence, yet an underlying acting talent that waits to strike when you least expect it.  He has moments of doubt, despair and rage that he has been unable to share in past roles and finally relishes the chance to showcase them here.  Thor may be his signature mainstream role, but Rush is the film that will put him on directors’ must-have lists.

Daniel Bruhl, probably best known as Melanie Laurent’s admirer Frederick Zoller in Inglorious Basterds, has a difficult role.  Lauda is simply not a likeable guy.  He weighs all things on percentages and statistics, including friendships and even his marriage.  Yet, he manages to do so with a quiet dignity with which you can still respect him, even if you would never want to grab a drink with him.  His narration is a little suspect and hokey at times, which is the only real critique in an otherwise solid performance.

There are other performances in the film, most notably Olivia Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara as Hunt and Lauda’s wives, but not a one of them receives any worthy screen time.  The film is about the sport and these two men, and the focus remains solely on them for the duration of the runtime.

The one selling point to the film is that it is not so much a racing film, as it is a drama about two competitors coming to a mutual respect for each other and that is a testament to the direction of Ron Howard.  Racing, in any form, is not a sport I personally enjoy.  Howard directs the film with such quick intensity and focus that it is hard to watch it and not get a little excited for all of that endless zipping around.

The structure of the film does feel a bit, to borrow its title, rushed.  However, that is because of how the events played out in actuality.  The film adheres to the facts for the duration of the film and moves at an almost lighting pace, as if it were in a race itself.

Overall, Rush is a solid character drama with enough excitement to win over almost any non-racing admirer.  Hemsworth and Bruhl both sell you on these two men and their budding respect with nuanced performances and Ron Howard returns to the top of his form with direction that propels the story without slowing down for every minute detail.  Rush is definitely worth the ride.

 

If $10 is the full price of admission, Rush is worth $7.50. 

 

Aaron Peterson

The Hollywood Outsider

www.TheHollywoodOutsider.com