Re -Train Your Brain To Happiness: "Rush" - An Under-rated Ron Howard Movie

November 09, 2014

"Rush" - An Under-rated Ron Howard Movie

I have been following Grand Prix races on and off for years.

I am familiar with most of the big names in Grand Prix.

I just watched this movie recently and have to say I really enjoyed it.

It was compelling!

Ron Howard has done some terrific movies over the years which is not all that surprising inasmuch as he has been in the entertainment industry for most of his life.

Think "The Andy Griffiths Show" and later "Happy Days" for starters.
And then much later "The Da Vinci Code" - a blockbuster.

By now his filmography is quite impressive!

I like bio-pics and this one is really good.

You don't have to be a "petrol head" to appreciate it.

Does it tell the whole true story? Who knows. Does it matter?

It certainly gives you some insight into the two main characters - Niki Lauda and James Hunt.

Niki Lauda comes over as a genius with his knowledge of cars and all the physics involved with them. James Hunt - a man with a goal, a playboy willing to risk everything to live life to the fullest.

It is interesting to see two almost totally different people having one common pursuit - the Grand Prix.

I must say the photography and editing were really excellent!

Whoever did all that did an excellent job.

I thought the two leads were extremely well-cast. Both look very much like the people they are portraying.


Daniel Brühl as Niki Lauda

Chris Hemsworth as James Hunt

Both actors bear a striking resemblance to the real people.

Some interesting quotes:

Niki Lauda: Of course he didn't listen to me. For James, one world title was enough. He had proved what he needed to prove. To himself and anyone who doubted him. And two years later, he retired. When I saw him next in London, seven years later, me as a champion again, him as broadcaster, he was barefoot on a bicycle with a flat tire, still living each day like his last. When I heard he died age 45 of a heart attack, I wasn't surprised. I was just sad. People always think of us as rivals but he was among the very few I liked and even fewer that I respected. He remains the only person I envied.

James Hunt: The closer you are to death, the more alive you feel. It's a wonderful way to live. It's the only way to drive.

Niki Lauda: Happiness is your biggest enemy. It weakens you. Puts doubts in your mind. Suddenly you have something to lose.

James Hunt: You know, Niki, I tried to write you a letter at the time, to apologize. The drivers' meeting in Germany, before the race, I swayed the room.

Niki Lauda: Yes, you did.

James Hunt: That race should never have gone ahead.

Niki Lauda: No, it shouldn't.

James Hunt: So in many ways, I feel responsible for what happened, and...

Niki Lauda: You were.

Niki Lauda on Wiki.

James Hunt on Wiki.

Have a look and check it out for yourself.

Picture credit: Grand Prix.