When Ron Howard decided to take 2 things I hold very close to my heart, films and Formula 1, and make a movie about it, there is not a chance in the world I would miss opening night to this movie. I saw it this evening and went in with certain expectations; expectations that were filled. I like F1, surely there is no way I can not like this movie, right?..
Right, this movie was unbelievable. I am completely fanboying myself out at the moment and guess what? I don't care!! Rush was truly masterful, an absolute gem of a movie which fulfilled plus exceeded my expectations..
But, let's review Rush like any other film, shall we?
Rush is based off the true story of the rivalry between Formula 1 racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda in the 1976 Formula 1 season. It is widely regarded as F1's best ever and it has been said it would be impossible to put it all on to film. Think again, Ron Howard does this to a treat!
He's an expert director in truth; he has created masterpieces like the Da Vinci Code and Apollo 13 and, in my books, can now add Rush to that list. You can tell that this movie had pure heart and passion drilled into its skull! It's a very well directed, edited and paced story and covers every single thing (in terms of a plotline) I wanted to cover.
Let's start with the negatives: some of the dialogue in the first act of the movie is borderline cheesy. Yet, I can let that slide as the narrative itself is trying to inform non Formula 1 fans about everything that is going on so they can latch on to the story! It is very good in that aspect as it can appeal to all fans, from the first-timers to the hard-core ones!
Chris Hemsworth plays James Hunt in this movie. As for the real James Hunt, he was a proper 1970s playboy; smoking cigarettes before a race, sleeping with more than one girl a night, being a real ladies man. Plus, motivated by the thrill and adrenaline of racing at the highest level! Rush captures his character perfectly through Hemsworth's performance. He nails the character and does everything very well indeed. Plus, he even manages to give the character another dimension. When he was at his highest highs you felt pleased for him. When he hit rock-bottom, you seriously empathized with him!
Daniel Bruhl plays Niki Lauda in this movie and he is an actor who I have never really seen in anything before this. I am going to check this guy out for definite! This movie also needed to capture the essence of Niki Lauda, an analyst who was downright quick and quietly determined to become the best. Plus, a man that other drivers would envy and detest. Bruhl's performance really allows you to, just like Chris Hemsworth's character, feel for him both when he succeeds and fails.
That's kind of funny actually.. You like it when both characters succeed and feel for them when they both fail. However, their success and failure always seems to coincide with each other's. Hunt fails, Lauda succeeds, and vice versa.
When I went in I thought it would be that this movie would be centred around just the 76 season. No, there is more. The years before then allow us to see the early developments of this intense rivalry and sets up the characters beautifully! Its a really well paced movie which packs in a lot of stuff into it. However, it doesn't feel clustered up in the slightest!
Also, the supporting cast all do really good jobs in this movie. As soon as a character was put on screen, for example Teddy Mayer, Enzo Ferrari, Jackie Stewart, I knew exactly who it was. The director made very good choices in terms of the choice of extras and supporting actors.
But the best part of this movie is by far the sequences on the circuit when the 2 rivals are battling it out! A lot of practical stunts were used when making these sequences and lots of credit must go to those people who drove those cars with such speed and such care and such precision. Also, the cars looked just like they did back in the 70s. It was a truly beautiful looking movie, it's complete eye candy. Some of the best visuals of the year are apparent in this movie. They're bright, clear, beautiful!
This movie also has the best sound I think I have heard all year. The noises of all that is going on in these sequences are just amazing! They're literally deafeningly loud! They set you right into the action and you are instantly thrilled/engrossed when the drivers switch on those engines. It sounds so good! I can't say that enough without boring you..
The racing scenes look and sound astonishing, plus they are filmed with expert precision. Various camera angles from off the track, in the drivers helmet, in the engine etc. give the movie a slice of pure originality to it. I have never seen a chase/car sequence filmed in such an exciting way! They are by far the best parts of the movie! 1 racing scene is worth the price of admission, seriously!
The movie's soundtrack also fits in so perfectly with the on screen action. It adds a whole other dimension of sheer intensity. This movie at points gets pretty intense! Like, really intense! The entire rivalry between them is intense for sure, but when you really start to feel nervous for the character's on screen then you know a movie is doing it's job well!
The movie also has snippets of nudity. This was unexpected, yet very welcome indeed. Guess that makes me a pervert..
So, how to grade this movie? Well I will just need to answer a couple of questions first:
Was it a well made movie?
Yeah, acting choices, editing, direction, visuals, music, sound, cinematography, pristine in every way! AMAZING! From the German GP, through the Italian GP right to the end is by far the best bit of what is truly an amazing film..
Was it as accurate to the facts as possible?
Yep, within reason of making an entertaining Hollywood blockbuster. Some things are changed yet don't bother me in the slightest because they make for an enthralling finale to the film.
Did it capture the essence of F1 in the 70s?
Hell yeah! Small details just make this movie that much better. This movie captured F1 in the 70s in an incredibly fitting way! Every shot on the screen just oozed the 1970s. Also, race procedures, driver meetings, testing, locations, are all just some examples of things that were detailed to perfection. There can be no complaints in that department..
Does it have that unexpected something?
Yes it does have this as well. I knew a lot of what happened in this F1 season yet I was still constantly thrilled by this movie.. It adds in an extra quality in that it delves into the human condition; how far will we push ourselves and how much will we risk to achieve our goals? Would you risk everything to become the best of your profession?
I wasn't expecting what I saw in Rush. I thought I was in for a purely entertaining movie with no real heart. Instead I got a movie which did everything it had to and did so much more! Formula 1 fans, if you can get over a few little nibbles (a few inaccurate facts or slightly cheesy first-act dialogue) you will love this movie to pieces! Non F1 fans, watch it as well. It is well worth your time..
Rating - A+
1 sentence summary - The movie the 1976 F1 season deserved; truly surprising and exciting in every single aspect!
Automatically one of my favourite films. F1 fan boy and proud!
Thanks for reading,
Matt
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