Welcome to Ron Howard’s world.. A world without HEROES.. A world which inhibits flawed human beings who have their own insecurities and fears. Quite often presenting a biography on screen can turn out to be a boring excercise especially when presenting one particular season. Howard quite cleverly sets the stage at the very beginning and weaves a soulful one on one.
The stage – The 1976 formula one season – The premise – the now famous rivalry between Nikki Lauda and James Hunt. He unravels the characters layer by layer to show us what could have led to the intensity on the race course. The pace is slow but riveting. The movie is also a lesson in how having someone to compete can act as a driving force.
Chris Hemsworth – Thor can do no wrong – can he? As James Hunt he has ample scope to show off his acting skills and the looks help in elevating and justifying a complex character. He fits as the bill as the playboy – someone who lives on his own terms. An apt casting choice.
Daniel Bruhl– as Nikki Lauda presents the other end of the spectrum. He’s serious ruthless and means business. Both the characters have their moments of soul searching and triumph. The icing on the cake is when they both acknowledge each other’s strength with mutual respect and admiration.
Olivia Wilde and Alexandra Maria Lara – the two gorgeous leading ladies lend admirable support in small cameos.
Ron Howard – another genius with his own legacy. Though not as deep as A BEAUTIFUL MIND it still is one of Howard’s masterpieces.
RUSH – An engaging one on one.
My rating – 4.5/5