Review of Rush (2013) by Domgwy — 20 Dec 2017

Set against the decedent and dangerous backdrop of 1976’s Formula One World Championship, Ron Howard’s latest true 20th Century story focuses on the bitter rivalry between Brit James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Austrian Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl).

Reuniting with screenwriter Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon, The Last King of Scotland) Howard’s dynamic style and keen eye for period pieces bring the proceedings that Spielbergian sense of a heightened reality. From the choice soundtrack to Hunts flamboyant wardrobe the style effortlessly evokes the 1970’s while resisting the temptation for nostalgia.

The films greatest strength is the ambiguous nature with which it treats the central characters. Both Hunt and Lauda are presented as flawed, driven men, though completely different from one another in their approaches to the sport. It is never made clear who we are to root for and as the season has its ups and downs audience allegiances will turn almost from race to race.

Hemsworth brings the same affable arrogance to Hunt as he did to his most famous creation but is also given an opportunity to add layers to the man and as the film progresses it becomes more and more clear that the cocksure attitude and flippant disregard for life frequently displayed by Hunt is only skin deep.

Brühl’s passionate Lauda drives the film with a sheer minded focus and determination that can at times be both admirable and incomprehensible.

Through strong performances, dynamic direction and a sharp and evenly weighted script, Rush transcends its Formula One backdrop to focus on the nature of rivalry, sportsmanship and risk. Like all great rivalry films (see The Prestige, Warrior) it will split your allegiances, make you sympathize with and at times detest its characters and entertain regardless of your interest in the subject matter.