The World's Fastest Indian

The World's Fastest Indian
. . and Hopkins rides a fast bike
Nick Pannu, The Peak

The World’s Fastest Indian is playing at Fifth Avenue Cinemas, 2110 Burrard St, Vancouver.

Many prominent actors have recently been forsaking lucrative contracts in major motion pictures to actualise their artistic freedom in independent film. Director and writer Roger Donaldson, in his latest project The World’s Fastest Indian, manages to lure acclaimed actor Anthony Hopkins towards the realm of independent film.

Misled by the title, one may mistake Roger Donaldson’s latest film for a National Geographic special. However, the unpolitically correct term pertains to a 1920s era Indian Twin Scout bike, not a demoralised ethnic group seeking redemption. Having grown up down under, Donaldson takes the initiative to resurface New Zealand’s forgotten national hero, Burt Munro. Munro had set many records throughout New Zealand race circuits with his Indian Twin Scout, which he constantly upgraded. Through innumerable tests and modifications to his outdated bike, Munro always managed to overcome the odds. However, there was one challenge that still eluded Munro — to set the world record on the salt flats of Bonnavillein, Utah. His mortality seeming imminent due to his recent diagnosis of cancer, the 65-year-old Munro seeks to fulfill his lifelong quest of racing his Indian motorcycle in the United States.

Donaldson takes liberties to spice up Burt’s long pilgrimage from New Zealand to the United States. Along the way, Munro befriends many people. A cross-dressed hotel clerk helps him find his way around and absorb the culture shock while staying in Los Angeles. A Native American provides refuge for a stranded Munro and provides him with dog balls to cure his prostate cancer. Apparently, Burt Munro was quite the ladies man. His strong conviction and passion for racing attracts the attention and admiration of a few women.

Suspense is strategically placed near the end when Burt Munro seems like he will finally his achieve his goal of racing on the Bonnavillein flats. Abruptly, many obstacles present themselves. His bike is not able to meet specifications for the race and officials start to question the legitimacy of his ability to race because of his age.

Prominent cast member Anthony Hopkins morphs himself completely into Munro’s character, and plays him with such passion and reverence that the character becomes more prominent than the actor. One is easily empathetic towards Burt’s plight. His enduring vitality reassures and enlightens the audience. Pursuing one’s goals is never too late; life has no meaning unless the journey is taken. Passion and determination endure and sustain vitality.