Dig It

Burt Munro was 63 years old when he set the motorcycle land speed record of 205 mph with an engine less than 1000cc. Thousands of miles from his New Zealand home, Munro was in the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah with only pennies and 41-year-old modified Indian Stout to his name.

If you just had a strong urge to call bullshit, you are far from alone. Munro’s own neighbors, the workers at his shipping company, the bureaucracy of U.S. Customs and even the organizers of the Bonneville speed week all discouraged him. But somehow, through sheer determination and strength of character, Munro succeeds, and journey there is quite a ride.

Anthony Hopkins, sans Hannibal Lecter mask, is able to bring Burt’s warmhearted, yet stubborn and fiercely independent soul to life. Hopkins’ is likely the only face you’ll recognize in this film, though the acting is excellent even throughout the most minor of roles. Munro’s Invercargill neighbors are even portrayed by local Kiwis, bringing authenticity to the 1960s New Zealand opening.

The film is shot beautifully. The first-person perspectives speeding down the sands and across the salt flats are stunning, giving the viewer a very real sense of speed. Even during the more mundane moments in the film, the cinematography beautifully complements the themes of the film, managing to be simplistic and clean yet so full of life at the same time. While the score is nothing special; it does what it needs to do, nicely reinforcing key plot moments.

Overall, this is an inspiring story of sacrifice, adversity and overcoming obstacles. Like its subject, it is a roaring success. If you are looking to be inspired or are just hoping to find a soul to commiserate with as you trudge through winter quarter, be sure to check out “The World’s Fastest Indian.”