As a confirmed devotee of 1970s Formula 1, and something of an anorak on the subject, I resolved to put aside my reservations about the historical accuracy of the movie, and appraise it on its quality in artistic and technical terms. So within these parameters, what of "Rush"?
In short, the movie follows the fortunes of 1970s Grand Prix drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda, concentrating on their duel for the 1976 world title. What struck me about the film straight away was the almost semi-documentary flavour to it. The opening scene, set at the Nurburgring, serves as good exposition. This is accompanied by some rather hackneyed pseudo-philosophizing, of the type which has been obligatory in all racing movies since time immemorial.
As expected, the production values are high, although the computer-assisted trickery does not obscure the story-telling. Indeed, the racing scenes, although dramatic and at times striking, were almost incidental to me. I was much more interested in the exploration of the human dimensions of the tale, which after the shaky beginning are told in quite a refreshing and unpretentious way.
Clips and previews had conditioned my expectations regarding the performances of the main actors. Daniel Bruhl is indeed excellent as Lauda, and becomes more convincing as the story unfolds, really coming into his own after the Nurburgring 1976 accident. Lauda's allegedly prickly and abrasive nature is played up for all it is worth, as is the playboy, non-conformist image of Hunt. Chris Hemsworth's performance as the latter came as a pleasant surprise, and he also manages to capture some of James' more laconic side.
The supposed eccentricities and foibles of every character, including team personnel, are magnified and accentuated, and it seems that the producers felt the need to pack in every known and recorded anecdote and incident involving the two men. Whilst watching, I almost felt the silent presence of a researcher ticking boxes on a "checklist" of items to include in the script. So yes, the "chapters" and content are composites of various things which did occur, many in different contexts and timescales, compressed for dramatic effect. What this all shows is that regardless of how things are presented, Hunt and Lauda, and indeed the era which they lived in, are simply splendid "raw material" for film-makers.
The Hunt-Lauda relationship depicted here is at variance with the generally accepted version, but as the narrative moves on, the dialogue becomes more incisive and cerebral, and feels less forced. The scenes sometimes feel short and staccato, but this is often the case with "biopics", where lots of information has to be included in different settings within a specified time.
The film manages to capture an appealing 1970s European/transatlantic aesthetic, invoking the music, fashions and social trends of the time, but not to excess. The more informal, less regimented atmosphere is well projected, even if the recreations of haircuts and clothes are not always totally on the mark....
I found the action sequences a mixed bag. Exciting yes, but often looking a little contrived and clinical, even if a 1970s Grand Prix is always a fine sight to behold. The greatest impact is attained via the arty "in helmet" shots and those of suspension parts, tyres and steering wheels. They help to get across the sheer primal mechanical vigour of those cars.
"Rush" moves up a notch or two with the run-up to the 1976 season. The pace quickens, and things become more intense. This really kicks in with the demise of the Hesketh team, and Hunt's anguish and uncertainty before the McLaren drive becomes available. The 1976 race scenes make good use of the camerawork and effects, helping to capture and encapsulate the pressures and the claustrophobia, as well as the gladiatorial nature of the sport.
The centerpiece of the movie, unsurprisingly, is the '76 German Grand Prix and its aftermath. An ominous and dark atmosphere of foreboding is skilfully created. The Lauda crash is harrowingly but effectively done, evoking its true horror. The hospital sequences are moving without being mawkish, and are cleverly interspersed with clips of the F1 season continuing to progress in the Austrian's absence. Daniel Bruhl truly shines in this phase, ably portraying the character's bravery and single-mindedness. One somewhat jarring note is struck by the scene at Monza involving Hunt and an intrusive journalist.
Needless to day, the season finale at Fuji is given the full treatment. Although drenched with CGI, the drama, emotion and confusion are recorded with some clarity.
Overall, I think that "Rush", while being glossy and "Hollywood" up to a point, also brings out the then still grimy world of racing, that of the nuts and bolts and the oily rags. On its own terms, good quality entertainment, if hardly a cinematic masterpiece. In the end, much of the rumination and verbal sparring between James and Niki is solid and soundly judged. The final main scene, set in Bologna, is a good way to go out - dignified and reflective.
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