The World’s Fastest Indian tells the story of Burt Munro, an elderly gentleman from New Zealand who’s life’s dream is to break a land speed record. To do this, he must go to America, where there is a patch of land that is perfect for this attempt. However, this isn’t what the actual film is about, but more of a backdrop to tell the story of an incredibly determined man on a mission, as well as his attempts to fit in with American culture.
Burt Munro was a real person, and the film is loosely based around the latter part of his life. Already in his mid-60’s, Burt (Anthony Hopkins) finally gathers up enough money to travel to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. He wants to set a speed record for motorcycles with less than 1000 cc engines. The film is set in the 60’s, but Burt’s bike is from the 1920’s. He’s spent over 20 years customizing it, allowing it to now exceed its previous 55 MPH limit.
There are a few problems that Burt has to overcome. His age is slowly becoming a factor. With his arteries tightening, he is forced to take pills to cope. He is warned that he should take it easy and not take any more risks. He blows off this advice. Now, travelling to America with little money, he has to make it to the racing grounds through whatever means necessary.
Burt doesn’t fit in with American culture either. In America, as the film portrays, everyone is business-like at all times. Burt offers his hand and name at every greeting, but is rarely offered the same in return. People want his money, something he doesn’t have a lot of. He does meet some good people though, and these interactions are positive.
Burt’s character is a sympathetic one, but also one who can stand up for himself. He doesn’t require the audience’s sympathy, despite how much we wish to give it to him. He’s a tough old man, but also one filled with compassion for other people. He can be mean, if required, but is almost always cheerful, even when being, (figuratively), spit upon.
Hopkins’ portrayal of the character is also wonderful, giving the character life that the actual person may or may not have had, but translates much better to film. While his accent might not have been spot-on, his mannerisms and general nature helped give the character a unique persona.
Interestingly enough, director Roger Davidson has made two separate tributes to Burt Munro’s life. Being from New Zealand himself, Davidson’s life has clearly been touched by Burt’s story. In 1971, while he was still alive, a short documentary titled Burt Munro: Offerings to the God of Speed was created. Fast forward more than 20 years, and Davidson directed this film, his second tribute to Burt Munro.
It is fitting that Burt receive such a tribute, as, if the film is to be believed, he certainly deserves it. His life story, or at least, the parts that matter, make him an extraordinary man. His perseverance is something to be admired, with him not giving up, despite everything that happens to him. Many people would have given up, but Burt doesn’t. He is depicted as a class act, and I do like to believe that he was like this while he was still alive. Even if the story is exaggerated, as it likely is, it seems believable enough to have happened.
This helps make the story and interesting and engaging watch. It is believable enough to draw you in, and entertaining enough to make you keep watching it. Whether it be Burt himself, or just wanting to see a motorcycle go really fast, you won’t leave disappointed.
Something that plays well in the film’s favor is the fact that it is a feel-good, heartwarming story. It will make you feel good while watching it, as well as after its conclusion. It’s a film that’ll make you feel like you can take on the world, just like Burt. You will become attached to him, and you will feel just like him, despite there being a good chance you are much younger than he.
The age of Burt is something interesting to explore, and becomes a primary focus later on in the film. He doesn’t act like someone in his mid 60’s, and instead comes off as someone much younger. The primary concern you have for him is when you wonder whether or not his body will hold out until he gets his record-breaking attempt. We already know he has a heart condition, and question whether or not it’ll get worse. This concern grows and grows until the film draws to a close. It helps keep your focus, as well as make you feel even more strongly towards Burt.
The World’s Fastest Indian is an impressive film. It’s touching in a sweet way, and tells a story that supposedly actually happened. Exaggerated or not, the story of Burt Munro is one that I now care about. The film also manages to make you feel better about your own life, as seeing the perseverance of Burt makes you feel like you can take on the world. Hopkins is great in the lead role, and the story is engaging enough to keep interest.