"Well, Laura," I hear you ask, "why did you go in the first place if you don't even like the subject matter?"
The answer is both simple and vaguely embarrassing. It's also probably the token answer of girls my age. You can see his face on the left.
(Typing this I'm probably blushing).
To be fair, my flatmate and I deduced that the groups of girls in the cinema were there for the same reason (and when that reason is shirtless, it just gets better). I was not alone in my shallow madness.
Because of this though, I went in with very low expectations. I knew from reading about it that the reviews were better than good, they were excellent and I expected that even if the crashing and bashing and 'nnnghewwwww (the motor racing noise as cars go round bends. You know what I mean)' noises were a bit irritating and over the top than it may still be an enjoyable watch.
I didn't therefore think that I would come out waxing lyrical about this film. Honestly.
The premise is this. 1976 Formula 1 season. Shit is going down between the British driver, James Hunt and his 'enemy' behind the wheel, Austria's Niki Lauda. It's a true story so if you are interested in how it turns out, please feel free to Wikipedia it. As you've guessed from the poster, it is potentially a film about James Hunt. And that, dear readers is where I must correct you. It is a fascinating balance between the stories of both men. It gives both Hemsworth and Brühl adequate air time, if not slightly more in Lauda's favour. And despite going to stare at Chris Hemsworth's face, I was not disappointed to spend more of my time seeing Daniel Brühl's face.
Given that both actors are playing Formula 1 drivers, they do not stint on passion and drive. Each provides their character with great sensitivity and the passion expected from such determined people and I was gunning for them both by the end. The only problem therefore is they are the shining lights and no supporting actor comes close. There is a cheeky wee role for the wonderful Stephen Mangan, who I love dearly but in the light of Hemsworth and Brühl, he might as well just not bother. It's the same for all the others; Lauda's wife, Marlene (Alexandria Maria Lara (three first names, say wha-?), Clay Regazzoni (Pierfrancesco Favino) and other bit parts (particularly Olivia Wilde who gets high billing but blink and you miss her; much like the marriage between Suzy and James) who try their best but are not quite as bright.
It's not just the acting though that's classy. The whole film reeks of 1970s 'class'. It's shot in that romantic sepia the era requires and the music, oh the music. Hans Zimmer masterfully scores a soundtrack to be proud of. It's a soundtrack I do need in my life it's that beautiful. Sweeping vistas are created in his orchestra, beefed out by classic rock of the age. It's a masterpiece running alongside the film. Everything is touched with respect, love and adoration. It's a film for the eyes (and not just because Chris is easy on them).
Ron Howard has created a triumph in Rush. It's not just a driving film by the end. It's a film of friendship, love and passion. A film that needs the explosions to be set pieces, but the true explosions are in the acting and the details. It's a film that needs to be seen.
tl;dr?: A top cinema pick of 2013. A driving film with so much more going for it. Wonderful atmosphere, wonderful actors and a fantastic story. Ron Howard, I bow to you. ★★★★★
(teeny bit of admin; as you may have noticed, I watch more films than I read books (I just don't have the time, guys) SO, I'm going to do special book features when I complete a book and I will do films as often as I have time. Recommendations by the way are welcome at all times! Drop me a wee message. Next will be a book review because I finished one the other day!)
Join me at tumblr and goodreads. Twitter on request.
Follow me on bloglovin'
