'Rush' Analysis: Opening 2 Minutes

The opening scene begins with a long shot of a stormy sky - connoting tension and possibly anger. This later relates to the competitiveness and tension between the two driving rivals.  We cut from this shot to an eye surveying the clouds - thoughtful and pensive.  Niki Lauda is considering not only his upcoming race - but his place in the world.  This idea, explored through symbolism, is then referred to directly in the monologue from Lauda - 'who would do a job like this?' 

We cut to a long shot of the road and the panning is used to take the audience towards a medium shot of Lauder in his car.  The use of the words on the screen help to set the scene and helps us to understand what the film will be about and who it centres around. We focus on the road - the track - momentarily before this to show the significance of the track itself, it symbolises adventure and mystery whilst connoting to the path the drivers have taken within their lives. We then focus on the medium shot of Niki himself in his car, looking focused and prepared to race. 

This cuts to a long shot showing Niki on one side and his rival on the other. Niki is looking focused on the race whilst his opponent is looking slightly more focused on the paparazzi. There is light shining from the cameras on the opponent whilst there are shadows cutting across Niki. This shows a direct comparison between the two. There are then close-ups of the two - Niki is focused and shows a stern look on his face whilst his rival is smiling for the cameras. This also shows a direct comparison of the two. 

After this, there is a sequence of shots cutting from car to car, using medium shots, high shots and close-ups. The continuous cutting creates a fast-paced nature to the scene, relating to the sport itself. The scene then cuts to close-ups of the engine. The jolting camera creates the effect of the heat from the engine and the power of the engine as well. 

The panning birds-eye view of the track as well as the close-ups of the rivals' eyes, helps to create tension and intrigue within the scene. The scene cuts very quickly across from the pedal to the speed gauge to the different cars at different angles very quickly. This, again, creates a fast pace for the scene. 

The fading out to black right at the end creates a cliff hanger, intriguing the audience to continue watching to see what happens.