Don’t worry about the title; it’s not a spoiler. If you’re not already a fan of Formula One racing or fast cars in general, what you should be more concerned with is the possibility of getting a speeding ticket after watching this film (which you should do immediately).
Based on true events, ‘Rush’ recounts the lives and the rivalry between Formula One racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt. Director Ron Howard has made sure to shoot the majority of this film like a ‘70s flick intermixing modern-looking shots in each race. It gives audiences both the feel for the times and the adrenaline rush felt by both the riders and the spectators. Throughout the film are several shots inside the actual vehicles helping enhance that feeling of both danger considerably under certain circumstances, excitement in the ride ahead, and anticipation in the race. If that wasn’t enough to keep audiences engaged, each race is shot just a little different from the previous one.
Ultimately, however, ‘Rush’ isn’t just about racing, but it’s about two opponents that changed the rules of this otherwise life-threatening sport. Hemsworth and Brühl give phenomenal performances as the live-life-to-the-fullest, womanizing, night owl and as the ruthless, calculating, and intensely focused genius, respectfully. It makes for a fantastic (if not sometimes cruel and unrelenting) rivalry between Hunt and Lauda.
Although the story centers on Lauda evidenced by Brühl’s narration at both the beginning and the end of the film, scriptwriter Peter Morgan show both men having faults: Hunt’s self-destructive and impulsive personality and Lauda’s arrogance and consistently malignant comments to his crew, his teammates, to Hunt, and to the press. Nevertheless, combined with an excellent script and amazing acting performances, these same qualities that could arguably be the reasons for their own downfalls at different points in the story are the very traits that audiences respect in the end much like the understanding between both drivers towards the conclusion of the film.
The only slight setback is the editing within the actual races. Our eyes are constantly being forced to look in many different directions not allowing for a full appreciation for the rush meant to be felt by viewers. While zooming in and out of each drivers’ helmets providing reactions from the drivers themselves makes up for some of the exhilaration and tension that’s lost due to editing, the individual shots as each race progresses could have been made longer to only increase our admiration for this event that mixes life-and-death situations with sheer ecstasy.
‘Rush’ doesn’t have any agenda other than telling the story about racers who were known greatly for their rivalry as well as their talent. While Formula One is a bit foreign to a lot of us, Ron Howard has not only made this a sport that we can all respect, but a human interest story. It’s another look at two people living their lives with great risk. Audiences should take way each man’s motivation behind such a dangerous profession. Whether you live your life in the fast lane or with caution, there’s something that drives each person and every person should live their lives with no regrets.
‘Rush’ is a fun ride with a talented pair of main actors, a delightful script, and masterful shots. It’s one of Ron Howard’s best and an absolute must-see!
Jim’s Rating: 9/10