The engine is running, the intensity is building, and I can feel my heart racing in anticipation of who will be number one.
“Rush” is the kind of movie the audience goes to for the action and stays for because it’s that good.
Ron Howard directed this 1970s action-drama based on the true story of the rivalry between Formula 1 racecar drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda.
“Thor” star Chris Hemsworth plays Hunt, the typical rock star racer who is adored by everyone, especially women. His blond hair, blue eyes and British accent drive the ladies crazy. He focuses more on drinking and smoking and spends less time aiming to be the best until Lauda, a determined Austrian rookie, gives him a run for his money.
“Inglourious Basterds” star Daniel Bruhl plays Lauda, who won’t let anyone get in his way. He is dedicated to the sport and understands what it takes to be the champion. He knows the mechanics of every car so well that he can tell what’s wrong with a car just by sitting in one. When he’s driving and preparing for a race, he is so precise that he leaves no room for errors. Because of his determination, he is seen as a cocky and lonely man, but he doesn’t let anyone’s criticism get in his way.
The acting is what pulls the audience into this story because they can feel just how much both characters want to win and how much they need to win to prove something to each other and to prove something to themselves. Hemsworth’s portrayal of Hunt highlights how much of a risktaker Hemsworth is and how he is so much more than an action hero. Bruhl should not be overshadowed by Hemworth, who did a remarkable job portraying Lauda whom the audience can’t help but root for because no one else does. He doesn’t have Hunt’s charm but makes up for it with his blunt honesty. The audience can to relate to him because they can see him for his inner strength rather than his appearance.
Although the intensity of the movie is fist-clenching, the rivalry between Hunt and Lauda has incredibly funny moments as they make fun of each other for their looks and their lifestyles. When Hunt called Lauda a rat, instead of taking offense, Lauda describes all the positive things about rats, like how smart they are. Hunt is the life of the party while Lauda doesn’t even go to any parties. Hunt celebrates his victories by partying while Lauda celebrates by going to bed early. Yet, they can see each other for who they really are which is the driving force for them to beat one another.
Lauda can see that although Hunt is constantly surrounded by fans and women, he is a lonely soul and his relationship with Suzy, played by Olivia Wilde, proves that. Hunt is so caught up in his crazy lifestyle that he doesn’t show his true feelings. He is a tough guy who refuses to be seen as weak and the only time that’s visible is when he throws up before every race.
On the other hand, Hunt can see how serious Lauda is and how he can’t relish in the moment because of his constant obsession about the next race and the races to come. The only person who puts things in perspective for him is Marlene, played by Alexandra Maria Lara, who shows Lauda that there is more to life than racing. Lauda feels that being happy is a weakness because then there is actually something to lose on the racetrack and the risk starts to outweigh the reward.
The cinematography allows the audience to feel as if they’re in the racecars with Hunt and Lauda. As the drivers prepare to race, the only thing visible among their helmets is their eyes. The editing during the race scenes is fantastic because the audience can feel the adrenaline kicking in as jump cuts bring the race life. From the engines roaring to life to the tires spinning to the perspective of the race track from different angles, it feels as if the character just flew past.
This movie is so much more than a competition between drivers but about the mental endurance it takes to achieve greatness. Lauda and Hunt thrive on the feeling they get while on the track at the brink of death. They live for the moment they cross the finish line in first place, and the audience won’t be disappointed with the adrenaline rush.
