 There’s
a very different Anthony Hopkins on show in The World’s Fastest
Indian. Apart from the fact that he’s playing a New Zealander, his
performance is one of the most appealing and relaxed he has given.
Hopkins has been quoted as saying, “This is the best thing I have
done. Certainly the best experience I’ve had.” It shows in his
performance in which –as in his most memorable roles – he truly
becomes his character – and seems to be having a whale of a time doing
it.
Hopkins plays New Zealand legend, Burt Munro, a man with a single,
abiding passion and dream – to break a land speed record in his 1920
Indian Scout motorcycle. His friends in Invercargill think Burt is a bit
of an odd bod, but they are behind him all the way and no one more so
than Tom (Aaron Murphy), the young son of his next door neighbours and
the only person who really believes Burt can achieve his goal. Now
nearing his 70s and recently diagnosed with a heart problem, Burt
believes the time has come to fulfil his dream by entering the Speed
Week competition at Bonneville Salt Flats in the US. Although short of
funds, Burt and his bike manage to get passage on a ship bound for the
US – as long as he helps out as the ship’s cook.
When he lands in Los Angeles, Burt must make his way to Utah for the
competition and his likable and unassuming ways win him a host of
helpful friends. For a guy who is easily impressed by the first menu he
has ever seen that shows pictures of the food, Burt’s encounter with
Tina (Chris Williams), the transvestite clerk at his LA motel, should be
even more of an eye-opener for him, but ready-for-anything Burt shrugs
off the revelation and accepts Tina for what she is – a good friend.
It’s this kind of easygoing attitude that seems to attract everyone to
his side, including a helpful old Indian man called Jake (Saginaw
Grant), a used car salesman, Fernando (Paul Rodriguez) who is so taken
by Burt’s way with a car engine that he offers him a job, and a widow,
Ada (Diane Ladd) who’s quick to invite the amiable Kiwi to her bed.
Naturally, the obliging Burt accepts.
When Burt arrives at what he calls the “hallowed ground” of
Bonneville Salt Flats, he discovers that the strict rules of the event
will prevent him from competing and achieving what he has aspired to for
most of his life. But his passion and personality soon attract more
friends who want to see him live his dream, even if it means breaking a
few rules. When Burt is finally given his big chance, he stuns the
cheering, flabbergasted crowd by creating a world record in 1967 that
has not been broken to this day.
Just as Burt’s endearing quirkiness wins over everyone he meets,
Hopkins’ persuasive, centre stage performance easily wins the audience
in this very engaging film. It’s this kind of crowd-pleasing charm
that has made The World’s Fastest Indian the No. 1 New Zealand
film of all time in its home country.
Rating: PG
cast
Anthony Hopkins, Diane Lane, Paul Rodriguez, Aaron Murphy, Annie Whittle, Chris Williams, Christopher Lawford, Patrick Flueger, Bruce Greenwood
Director Roger Donaldson
Distributor Rep
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