The World's Fastest Indian
by Roger Donaldson
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DVD details
Actor: Aaron Murphy, Anthony Hopkins, Diane Ladd, Iain Rea, Tessa MitchellDirector: Roger Donaldson
Brand: Magnolia Pictures
Writer: Roger Donaldson
Producer: Barrie M. Osborne
Producer: Charles Hannah
Producer: Don Schain
Producer: Gary Hannam
Producer: John J. Kelly
Producer: Masaharu Inaba
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 5.1; Spanish (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1
Format: Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 127 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2006-06-13
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Model: 10026
Studio: Magnolia
Product features:
- Condition: New
- Format: DVD
- Color; Dolby; DVD; Widescreen; NTSC
DVD Reviews of The World's Fastest Indian
DVD Review: Jameson Thottam with an Indian's Perspective (pun intended) on this Film
Summary: 4 Stars
Jameson Thottam with an Indian's Perspective (pun intended) on this Film
Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins), approaching his seventies, with a chronic heart problem, has followed a dream all his life - to break the world land speed record with his 1928 Indian (1000 cc) motorcycle. To do this, he has to raise the funds to take himself and his beloved Indian from New Zealand to the States; at Bonneville, Utah, on the vast salt plains Burt will compete against world class champs and vehicles.
With his savings, and the help of his small community, Burt crates his machine, has it loaded onto a dubious-looking vessel and works his passage to L.A. as ship's cook. Once in the US, he buys a second-hand car, rigs up a trailer and tows the Indian to his destination.
Following the Move **Jameson Thottam**
The movie follows Burt and his adventures across the US to Bonneville, encountering some weird and wonderful characters along the way (Tina, the transvestite who runs a tacky LA motel; Fernando - a oily, fast-talking Hispanic car salesman; Ada, a lonely but lusty widow; even a real Indian out in the desert.... Shades here of Croc Dundee). Once at his destination, Burt finds he has more obstacles to surmount, but as usual tackles them with his never-say-die philosophy.
How It's Done **Jameson Thottam**
When the movie opens, Burt is asleep in his shed, a rough concrete structure which houses him, his workshop and the Indian. To either side, there are neat gardens and homes, but Burt's place is the scene of blown gaskets and spare parts, a drum containing titanium-flavoured water (also used for tea!), the ground is covered with tall grass; in a corner droops a lemon tree which he `waters' daily, claiming that urine is great fertilizer!
His young neighbour is fascinated by the Indian and the work that goes into it, and against his parents' wishes, is continually at Burt's side; even borrowing his mother's carving knife so Burt can peel off the tyre tread to render them faster (who cares about safety!). Gradually the other characters are introduced, Burt finds himself a girlfriend, the small community organizes a fund-raising dance, and finally the local bikie gang challenge him to a speed race (which he loses) on one of New Zealand's vast panoramic beaches; Burt's gentle nature, his enthusiasm and commitment to his cause win over all those who meet him; even the hostile bikies admit grudging admiration - when Burt heads off on his journey, the leader pulls level with the car and presses some "drink money" into his hand.
The Portrayal **Jameson Thottam**
Burt is portrayed as a down-to-earth guy, who opts for simplicity in his life - that way he can concentrate on what is really important: his bike. The fact that he is in his seventies in no way diminishes his enthusiasm or his belief that he can succeed. In addition, what some viewers might find unexpected is Burt's ability to win the women - after all, he is not particularly good looking, his clothing is usually grease-stained and he's certainly not wealthy. However, his sweet nature, combined with ingenuousness and a straightforward approach to life works its charm every time; even the hard-nosed sheriffs, cruising the endless desert highways, don't quite know what to make of him. In one scene, where Burt is resting in his car after a heart scare, two uniformed men pull up behind him and, hands on their guns, move cautiously over to the vehicle which is illegally parked on a curve. As can be expected, Burt talks them round!
Cinematography **Jameson Thottam**
The cinematography is out of this world, the vastness of the landscape underscoriing the scale of Burt's endeavour. From New Zealand's misty shores (shots which recall The Piano) to the US, across unending flat desert and finally to the blinding whiteness of the salt plain, the panoramas are impressive. Fashions, cars, and buildings reflect the era and those who love old-style American cars will enjoy seeing them here. Many of the racing vehicles however look quite modern and aerodynamic, making Burt's fish-shaped bike appear even more outmoded by comparison.
Directing **Jameson Thottam**
The directing is excellent, and there is a real sense of the natural, the characters, portrayed as ordinary folk having a freshness often lacking in typical Hollywood movies and the story, while extraordinary, is presented in very down-to earth fashion. Roger Donaldson, the director, is quoted as saying that "this could be an uplifting and inspirational story in the spirit of such films as ROCKY, BILLY ELLIOT and CHARIOTS OF FIRE". Anthony Hopkins has commented that in contrast to the "psychopaths and uptight people" which he was tired of playing, Burt was a "real winner of a guy".
Relationships **Jameson Thottam**
Apart from the main theme - participating in the speed trials - there are also those of relationships, as well as love and sex, and the unswerving belief in oneself. One of Burt's most significant characteristics is his refusal to allow age or ill health to deter him from his goal. When the doctor says that he must give up motor bike riding, he doesn't argue - just takes the pills and carries on.
It is rare these days, with all the emphasis on youth and good looks, to come across a story that deals with ageing characters and does so successfully. An inspirational story, presented without hype or sentiment,it leaves us wishing that we had known the man and been there to witness him realizing his dream.
Cast (some only) **Jameson Thottam**
Anthony Hopkins - Burt Munro
Saginaw Grant - Jake
Diane Ladd - Ada
Walton Goggins - Marty Dickerson
Christopher Lawford - Jim
Chris Williams - Tina
Paul Rodriguez - Fernando
Annie Whittle - Fran
Conclusion **Jameson Thottam**
As fiction, this story would be unusual enough, but the fact that it really happened makes it all the more amazing. Although I was not sure quite what to expect, I found that strong performances by the cast, good directing and lovely cinematography, plus some wonderfully humorous scenarios made it a highly enjoyable experience.
Director: Australian Roger Donaldson -Cocktail (1988), The Bounty (1984) and Thirteen Days (2000).
**Jameson Thottam**
Description of The World's Fastest Indian
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