Being an American fan of British movies and TV shows, I'm always thrilled to find ones I've never heard about, and when it turns out to be either historical or autobiographical, the more exciting it is because I know I'm getting a little slice of reality that I know nothing about. Give me one of the greatest British actors ever, and it's double the thrill. Here, Anthony Hopkins, already well known (if not yet a superstar in the states as this was pre-Hannibal Lechter), plays real life racing legend Donald Campbell who wants to top his late father's legacy as a race car driver by topping his speed, but on the water.
Really enjoying being over the top but rather crude and troubled, Campbell is certainly the life of the party whenever he's around, but there's a darkness about him, so Hopkins really gets to chew the scenery with varying moods, whether in damaged relationships or on a seeming desire for suicide which a journalist he becomes involved with reveals in her newspaper. Phyllis Calvert, a star of British melodrama of the 1940's and 50's, has a cameo as his mother who left his father for the same reasons that the women in his life, including wife Angela Richards who makes a living as a popular lounge singer.
So while the basic story only held a passing interest for me, Hopkins was completely riveting to watch. Beautiful lakeside location scenery is fabulous for the visuals, so there's good photography to praise as well. But I found myself not really liking Campbell all that much so I didn't have anyone to really root for. Had he been a villain or strong political figure, I may have found more interest in him, but the anticipation of the big ride didn't grab me.
The ensemble is good though, even if they are overshadowed by Hopkins. Rosemary Leach, an actress I immediately recognized (discovering that she had a prominent role in "A Room With a View") stood out in a nice part as the kindly proprietor of the lakeside inn, the type of earth mother we all want as a confidante. But this is Hopkins' film, and he really soars with it, regardless if he's just holding court or on a rocket like water device that would send all sea creatures desperately trying to get to shore and out of his way.
Really enjoying being over the top but rather crude and troubled, Campbell is certainly the life of the party whenever he's around, but there's a darkness about him, so Hopkins really gets to chew the scenery with varying moods, whether in damaged relationships or on a seeming desire for suicide which a journalist he becomes involved with reveals in her newspaper. Phyllis Calvert, a star of British melodrama of the 1940's and 50's, has a cameo as his mother who left his father for the same reasons that the women in his life, including wife Angela Richards who makes a living as a popular lounge singer.
So while the basic story only held a passing interest for me, Hopkins was completely riveting to watch. Beautiful lakeside location scenery is fabulous for the visuals, so there's good photography to praise as well. But I found myself not really liking Campbell all that much so I didn't have anyone to really root for. Had he been a villain or strong political figure, I may have found more interest in him, but the anticipation of the big ride didn't grab me.
The ensemble is good though, even if they are overshadowed by Hopkins. Rosemary Leach, an actress I immediately recognized (discovering that she had a prominent role in "A Room With a View") stood out in a nice part as the kindly proprietor of the lakeside inn, the type of earth mother we all want as a confidante. But this is Hopkins' film, and he really soars with it, regardless if he's just holding court or on a rocket like water device that would send all sea creatures desperately trying to get to shore and out of his way.