Rush(2013)- Review
Rush is a biographical sports film focusing on the 1976 Formula 1 Season and James Hunt & Nikki Lauda in particular. Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) is a hot headed, buoyant, playboy British driver, while Lauda (Daniel Brühl) is a calm, intellectual, meticulous Austrian. The two initially cross paths in the formative years of their driving careers, in Formula 3. A minor incident during the London race of the 1970 Formula 3 season depicts the beginning of the fierce rivalry that was going to culminate in the coming years. Having gained experience in the lower tier of the motor sport, both the drivers wish to be in a Formula 1 car and on the top step of the podium. But this isn’t an easy task and will require getting rid of multiple speed breakers along the way. Both the drivers overcome their individual challenges and start their journey in F1. The 1976 season starts and the two are pegged to be the only major title contenders. The film then showcases the build-up to the famous rivalry, their personal lives and the big story that was to become on the race track, all during the 1976 F1 season.
Biographies often take their set of artistic liberties to keep the story interesting, but the real story of Rush gives the impression of an exciting & interesting story by itself. So, the screenplay does not deviate much from the reality and as always Peter Morgan’s writing is as raw as possible. Ron Howard has surely put laudatory efforts in giving an amazing output. The films cinematography also needs to be appreciated keeping in mind it is not a simple task to portray speedy cars and make it look entertaining at the same time. With Hans Zimmer’s music the soundtrack gives a certain level of profundity to the story. Hemsworth and Brühl too, give some amazing on-screen moments portraying the real life characters.
Continuing on the music it is most certainly amazing but maintains a level of tempo & atmosphere across the whole film. Varying it during scenes depicting different emotions could have made the movie more enjoyable. Sticking to the reality the film shows almost all main parts, but chooses to keep away from a few sub-stories. They could have slightly stretched out the film to include those too.
Nonetheless its positives heavily outweigh the negatives. It surely deserves all the nominations it has received. If you are a sports lover or are into biographies it’s a must-watch, if not still do give it a shot it will still be worth your time.
Acting- 9
Casting- 9.5
Cinematography- 9
Dialogue- 7.5
Directing- 9
Editing & Effects- 7
Sound & Music- 9
Story- 9
Storytelling- 9
Rating- 9