I've never been much of a fan of Formula 1 racing. I don't know much about the sport other than the vehicles used being very fast and very dangerous, and there being quite a few laps in the races. This very reason has been ultimately the reason I've starved myself of this excellent film for almost eight entire years now, despite numerous recommendations and seeing clips online. I decided to finally take the leap and check it out, and was left questioning why I had been so stubborn for almost an entire decade.
Rush is no perfect film, however. It has a few strange casting choices and the colour grading can be really distracting at times. The editing wants to pursue a more vintage film style that seemingly acts as a cheap alternative to simply shooting on a film format and lighting for that format. Such attempts are always noticeable and never truly hold the same aesthetic; though I can't complain too much given some moments appear to be shot on film and that to a degree makes up for the strange decision.
That out of the way, Rush tells the true tale of two Formula 1 talents: James Hunt and Niki Lauda. The two are immediately introduced as total opposites and instantly clash; their rivalry based on James being outgoing and reckless, and Lauda quiet and very concise. With the two becoming enemies before their Formula 1 careers had even started, the two quickly build a reputation for a similar subject: being very good at racing cars.
With the film first introducing James Hunt, we get this perspective of James as the likeable protagonist, good at seemingly everything: cars, socialising, and being relatively successful. This inevitably sets up the introduction of Niki Lauda in a strange way, he's easily perceived as the enemy that we shoot not choose to take sides with: he's paid his way into leagues, being a wealthy child capable of pursuing anything simply via cash. Naturally an audience sees such an event and sticks with the hardworking, loveable character.
The second half of the film is where things really differ, however. Niki Lauda suffers a horrific crash during a race that should not have taken place due to the dangerous weather conditions limiting visibility and soaking the track. Left with severe burns and a month in hospital, we see Niki's true ambition begin to form: his eyes fixated on the television in the hospital room, and his mind desperately prepared to get back into the races to beat James. It's increasingly evident that the two are rivals for no clear reason other than wanting to be better than the other, but their rivalry serves as motivation to push forward despite the dangers of the sport, and the toll it takes on their private lives.
Despite the very personal narrative that looks deep into the rivalry of two talented drivers, the best part of the film is its cinematography; it perfectly captures the speed and emotions of driving such dangerous vehicles. First-person perspectives under heavy rain, bumpy camera movements that follow the vehicles around fast and tight bends. The overhead shots of drivers lined up prepared to start the race. This film does an incredible job at building the tension. It perfects the otherwordly atmosphere that must be felt on the track both prior to and during a race. And while the colour grading certainly was distracting at times, another moment would spring up with some truly beautiful composition and directing that pulled me right back in.
Rush really did captivate me. It had me curious about the sport in a way that I never have been before. It had me witness another side to it that didn't seem quite boring, understanding the sheer talent and amount of technical knowledge that goes into creating and driving the vehicles. It was a highly refreshing experience that had me wanting a lot more, though, I have to admit that fortunately the film never felt like it was overstaying its welcome. It told the narrative it wanted and went. It never felt as if it were overstepping into too much speed and action, nor did the dramatic sides of the film appear convoluted and fixated on making you feel something.
In fairness to you I think most people who weren't film critics/appreciators/whatever would probably avoid films that seem to be about topics that they personally aren't interested in. I already don't watch things I might be interested in due to lack of time, something like this wouldn't even register on my radar XD
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