2008 was the last time director Ron Howard got a positive reception from critics on one of his films. Since making the Best Picture-nominated "Frost/Nixon," the director has gone on to make such critical bombs as "Angels & Demons" and "The Dilemma;" both films also failed to cash with fans at the box office. However, those past missteps have seemingly proven to be the exceptions and not the norm for the direct. With his latest effort "Rush," Howard has not only returned to form, but has also created what may very well be the best film he has ever directed.
Set in the 1970s, the film tells the real-life story of the rivalry between Formula One drivers Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth). The film starts at a crucial juncture in the story and the viewer hears a voiceover by Lauda regarding his rivalry with Hunt. Moments later, the film flashes back several years to a time when both men were Formula Three racers and had no real chances of making their dream of reaching the top division come true. Lauda has just been thrown out by his father while Hunt is an eternal ladies man and drinker who has no stability in his life and no seeming concern to get himself together. The two men meet in a third division race that sparks their rivalry and provides the main impetus for what is to follow. No sooner has this taken place that Lauda figures out a way to move into the top division; this prompts Hunt to do the same. From there, Howard showcases crucial races between the two men and how their egotistical behavior affects them in the private realm. Continue Reading
.
.
No comments:
Post a Comment