FilmReview Rush - Latest F1 Movie

Film Review by Chase Smith

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Film Review: Rush

Director Ron Howard (Frost vs. Nixon, Apollo 13) brings to screen an epic film based on the true story of racing car drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda - both superstars of Formula One. Rush portrays the real life story of Formula One’s most competitive rivals between James Hunt played by Chris Hemsworth (Thor, Avengers Assemble) and Niki Lauda - Daniel Brühl (Inglorious Bastards).

The film is seen through the eyes of both men; Hunt - a cocky, talented, McLaren driver who indulges in a celebrity lifestyle of womanizing and drinking. His arch-rival Lauda - a Ferrari driver who is an arrogant, perfectionist who spends his time devoted to testing and auto-tuning cars. The story takes place in the 1970's, in an era when the slightest margin for mistakes on a race track could cost a racing car driver his life. Early on in their careers both men become bitter rivals on the race track. Fierce competition on the race track only gives way to further dislike of each other. Whether or not they make the right or wrong choices on or off the track, pursuing their own victory is ultimately important. Over the next six years the rising stars in Formula One eventually reach the top of their game.

In 1976, when torrential rain causes concern for drivers at the German Grand Prix, a vote of confidence is passed amongst the competitors. Hunt wins the overall vote that the race should go ahead, despite Lauda’s concerns that the race should be called off. Unfortunately for Lauda disaster strikes as his car crashes on the track leaving him with eighty per cent burns. Coming so close to death, Lauda begins to recover in hospital watching Hunt on television storming to victory. Remarkably eight weeks later he is back in the driving seat, acknowledging that his closest rival was his inspiration. As the race season draws to a close at the Japan Grand Prix, there can only be one winner between Hunt and Lauda.

Filmed in Hampshire, the camera angles and special effects are used to great effect in races. Hemsworth’s performance in the film is very good and manages to pull off a decent British accent. Hunt and Laude’s clash of personalities make the film all the more interesting to watch. It’s always interesting to see what encourages a driver to risk their own life in pursuit of glory. The cello music by Hans Zimmer is used to great effect in the film. Howard’s direction of the film feels more like you are watching a European made film, than a Hollywood film. Typically in most films you expect a hero or villain; however Hunt and Lauda are just striving for success on a race track.