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| James Hunt and Niki Lauda in 1976 |
I picked this movie up with some apprehension. We all know, it would indefinitely be about the ridiculously huge amount of money involved in the sport, the often over-dramatised portrayal of the individuals, the sacrifices that are made and the obligatory insight into the aspects of the sport. These are often the main script. The fact that Ron Howard was directing it made me sort of hesitate further as we all know that Ron Howard had the reputation of doing exactly what I lamented about as evident in 'Apollo 13'. But I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised.
The first 30 minutes of any movie, is for me, the most critical. It would make or break a movie in terms of directing, acting and persuading the viewer to resonate with the story unfolding. Although I was never a big fan of the Formula One but still, by the first half hour, I had already concluded that I would finish the movie. I found myself increasingly attracted to the sport and the story very much appealing.
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| Niki Lauda and James Hunt at the Monaco Grand Prix 1976 |
The movie 'RUSH' is entirely set around two of the greatest rivals that the world of Formula One Racing has ever witnessed and the premise of these events takes place between the years - 1974 to 1978 of what is commonly heralded as the 'Golden Age of Formula One Racing'. The individuals portrayed are the Austrian born, Niki Lauda and his rival on the circuit, the Englishman, James Hunt. Together, during that period, they exhilaratingly captivated the world of Formula One Racing and fans worldwide while at the same time catapulting the sport to heights of media frenzy, glamour and edge of the seat drama, never before experienced.
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| Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl are both excellent in their portrayal of Hunt and Lauda |
The movie traces the rise of James Hunt who was already a frequent winner at the Formula 3 Racing league (a lower division of the Racing circuit) in the early 1970's. His consistent podium finishing later enables him to fast track into the Formula One Grand Prix with the financial backing of his team owner and inevitably, set the stage for a fantastic showdown and go head to head with the 'rookie' of the Grand Prix, Niki Lauda.
Niki Lauda arrives without much fanfare into the lowly Formula 3 circuit but quickly establishes himself as a semi-accomplished driver with steadfast discipline and determination but often end up playing second fiddle to Hunt - not only on the track but even in scoring with dames. Still, Lauda quickly improves on his race pole position (for a 'rookie') and with his strict routine of physical and mental preparation, it is not long before Lauda is noticed by everyone. By this time, Lauda, frustrated with the lack of opportunity for a real 'drivable' car, does the unthinkable at the time and literally buys his way into the Formula One Grand Prix, financing his inclusion into an existing Formula One team using his own money to secure a race car and his own technical team. In less than 6 months, he forces his team owner to acknowledge his uncanny ability in setting up cars by improving the performance for the race track. Not only does this land himself a place in the driving seat of a Formula One car but later, with the Italian owned Ferrari Team.
Thus sparking an intense rivalry with Hunt for the elusive battle to be crowned Formula One World Champion but we all know that any title does not come easy especially one that you have to be willing to lay your life upon, every time the drivers step into the space between the steering and the high octane fuel tanks of the speed machines, not to mention the personal challenges, off and on the track, and the difficult decisions that each driver has to make during every race.
Interestingly, the movie also attempts to account for the psychological mindset and approach of two very different individuals - Hunt who is eccentric, carefree, reckless and drives himself and others to the edge of limits. Hunt is also infamously known for his charm, wit and sexual escapades. His popularity, no doubt, boosted by his bad boy reputation and sold by the media people. Niki Lauda, on the other hand is a methodical calculated person and quite brilliant at what he does. He is crude, tactless and often disliked by most people and for a race car driver, surprisingly analyses risk in everyday life as well as bringing the same approach to the racing track and to the profession. The very different personalities or lack of it, i suppose in Lauda's case, is much of the very intensity that drives the movie and its characters.
The movie also delves into the very personal lives of both drivers including their marriage, their personal ghosts and the genuine deep respect and affection that both drivers fostered for one another despite the full blown rivalry, competitive circle and attempting to outdo each other at every opportunity they are presented with. Lauda would narrate at the start of the movie "i don't know how it got to be as it was" referring to their relentless competitive edge.
The inclusion of the horrific crash involving Lauda at the Nurburgring track in Germany played a critical part in the movie, as well as i suppose, in the real life of Lauda and to an extent, Hunt. The 'Nurburgring' which is infamously known as the Graveyard in Germany is described by Lauda to be 'one of the most barbaric, dangerous and poorly maintained tracks' in Formula 1 at the time'. The events at Nurburgring will evidently have a big impact on viewers and it is at this juncture that the viewers will realise that this is not just a story of two individuals but equally of that special 'something' that all individuals excelling in their life, inevitably possess. The following tense build-up to the final race of the 1976 Grand Prix season in Tokyo, Japan will totally keep you at the edge of your seat. Lauda attempting to defend his World Championship title and Hunt racing to dethrone him.
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| Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl |
It is exhilarating and thrilling! The cast and direction fulfilling the accounts and the true story of the intense rivalry while at the same time, never over indulging in the attempt to over dramatise the events for the cinemas. RUSH has the right amount of everything and balances the intricate details and successfully diverts away from the larger than life representation which tend to influence most biographical adaptation. Although i did think that the scene of James Hunt, avenging on behalf of Lauda, at a reporter's sarcasm intended at Lauda during a press conference was acutely over dramatic and I was left asking, if it really happened. But then again, i think we could allow Ron Howard the luxury of this lapse in focus.
But apart from that, the movie, directed by Ron Howard triumphs. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl are excellent and undoubtedly both shine in their portrayal as James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Personally, if i had to pick, I think I would have to pick Daniel Bruhl for his performance as Niki Lauda.
The inclusion of actual footage and pictorial of James Hunt and Niki Lauda at the end of the movie is a deservingly great tribute to both drivers who has contributed to a great chapter in the Formula One world. I was saddened to learn of James Hunt passing away at the end of the movie but true to his philosophy in life - he lived his life with the awareness that every time he stepped onto the race track, there would be a chance that it might be his last. That awareness, would also be the 'difference' to both men.
RATING
7 OF 10
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| Hunt and Lauda - the greatest rivalry in Formula One Racing |
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