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The World's Fastest Indian
The World's Fastest Indian is a gem of a movie. Touching, endearing and beautifully acted, it's one to buy and savour on a cold winter's night. And not a Jalfrezi in sight.
The World's Fastest Indian is a subtle classic, a masterclass to anyone studying dramatic arts. Anthony Hopkins simply excels in the lead role and for this reason alone it's well worth seeing - as long as you don't expect The Fast and The Furious. Given Burt's seniority, I suppose it could be subtitled The Fart and The Futureless. I enjoyed this film: I think the average moviegoer will enjoy it: - it needs the right audience though. Testosterone Satisfaction Rating: - very little in the way of high speed thrills, despite the basic plot. To enjoy this film you should: like warm human-centred talky stories and not require any action.
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Your commentsThe comments printed here are not necessarily the views of Forwardcharm!
I'm glad I didn't read any reviews (except Jimbo's) before seeing this film or read any Bert Munro biographies, my interest was held through the film much better. Heck, I don't even like motorbikes, I simply enjoyed seeing him pursue his dream. The film explodes the myth that senior citizens can't have fun and frolics. It's enviable how everyone can't help liking him, he lets everything wash over him (except obstacles to racing), yet he's no fool. The film reminds me of "The Dam Busters", where almost all of the time is the build-up to the final event.
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Anthony Hopkins makes this movie. His portrayal of Burt Munro, game old duffer trying to break the land speed record on
a home-made bike, is nothing short of seminal - one of the best performances by anyone, let alone the man himself.
Burt's a lovable old stick in the hands of Sir Anthony, nothing fazes him and he gets along with anyone and everyone,
provided they don't get in the way of his record attempt, of course. He's the kind of chap you hope you'll become when
the years have accumulated, burning your garden because you can't be arsed to mow the lawn. On his way to Bonneville
Salt Flats in order to set the record, Burt encounters many trials and tribulations and befriends transvestite Tina along
the way, responding when the penny drops in his usual amiable manner, "oh. I thought there was something odd about you."
It's hard to find anything to fault about The World's Fastest Indian. The supporting cast, largely unknowns except for
veteran Diane Ladd, are all as believable as they are watchable and the Indian Scout "motor-sickle", as Burt puts it,
has a character all of its own with its brandy corks, hand-made pistons and hinges salvaged from the garden. The story is
heart-warming and poignant, all the more so for being true, but it all comes back to the masterful display of acting by
the star. I hope the Academy has a long enough collective memory this time next year, because if Anthony Hopkins ever
deserved an Oscar, he deserves one now. Quite brilliant. With a bit of luck, Director Roger Donaldson will abandon his
previous work such as Dante's Peak, Cadillac Man and The Recruit and continue down this new-found path.
The only reservation I have about the movie is that it may fail to capture the ADD generation's imagination.
With a slow pace and nothing but characterisation to push the story along, many viewers will find it too slow and unengaging,
which is a shame, because those unlucky few will fail to appreciate what will undoubtedly be one of the sleeper hits of the
year - and you may even find you have something in your eye at the end...
