Drive Review

Hollywood as it exists now is one of the worst things that has ever happened to movies. There is a predictability and soullessness to the movies that the fat-cat executives spit out and spoon feed to the masses, its sickening. Between the emotionless romantic comedies (Life as We Know It) and the dramatic drivel (The Lincoln Lawyer) not to mention the inordinate amount of remakes or "re-imaginings" its becoming increasingly difficult to go see a movie and be legitimately blown away; to be surprised at the twist, to lose yourself in a absorbing plot, and to root for a hero who is a genuinely good person. Maybe it just needed someone to take a left-field approach, because Drive manages to be all of the best qualities movies can have, without holding anything back, making it the best movie of the year bar-none, and a film that has reignited my excitement about what movies can be.


Drive stars Ryan Gosling an actor mainly known for his romantic films (The Notebook, Blue Valentine) and is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn a European film-maker who made big strides with his previous film (Bronson). Both Gosling and Refn are odd choices for a neo-noir crime drama, but I think that's what gives this movie a much appreciated freshness. Gosling plays the titular driver, an unnamed no nonsense getaway driver with a few rules that he abides by with no excuses. He is the best driver in town, when he isn't avoiding cops he is a stunt car driver for television shows and movies, he also works part time as a mechanic and is soon to become a full fleshed stock car racer. Gosling's portrayal is of a stoic and restrained man, he barely speaks but when he does its simple and to the point. He also happens to be inhumanly nice, doing favors and pretty much bending over for people he respects and likes. Through a series of bad situations he finds himself going to extreme measures to protect Irene and her son who live next door and who he has grown to love. Gosling makes the character so likable through his tangible charisma and his unflinchingly nice persona, he never uses a gun and never actively participates in the crimes he is helping people escape from, which makes it all the more intense when he finally decides to start dishing out the violence. This is a man who has been pushed to his breaking point and anyone that decides to harm those he cares for are going to be in a world of pain.

Drive is a lot like its main character it is methodical slow paced film but when push comes to shove, it breaks out into a fury of violence that can not be contained. Its genius the way the director handles the action in the film, it reminded me a lot of sex, the way in which the longer and more meticulous the build up the bigger and more intense the climax. The movie uses violence brilliantly, its not in excess like in most American action films, where its a hail of bullets and explosion from beginning to end, instead Drive takes its time establishing the scene ratcheting up the tension and suspense to excruciating levels until BAM, it lets loose and boy does it let loose. Drive contains some of the most memorable and brutal acts of violence ever filmed -- a scene with a hammer and a single bullet is quite gut wrenching-- But the violence isn't desynthesized because it all means something, the violence is in direct response to the heightened emotions; and as the audience you care and are invested in the characters, making the bursts of violence that much more visceral.

Over the measured pace and explosive violence there is one of the best soundtracks in a movie, focusing on a genre called Synth-Pop which is exactly what it sounds like; simple pop music with great electronic beats laid in. The music in the movie also does something unprecedented it actually plays out unaltered, very reminiscent of John Hughes movies (The Breakfast Club) where the music isnt in the background its right up front, with no dialogue. The music itself sets the tone and the emotion, and for those who listen the lyrics in the music match exactly what is being expressed on screen, its quite incredible. The movie has a great sense of style, which can be attributed to the art-house influence the director brings -- quite evident in his previous directorial effort, Bronson -- Great camera shots and edits that keep the action quick and intense almost forcing you to hold your breath during them. Its masterfully crafted never glorifying the action instead opting to make you squirm and clench your fist. Even when there isn't any action, the director lets the camera roll, catching every quaint smile and touching glance forcing the human emotion to be laid bare. There isn't a lot of dialogue in the film, since so much is conveyed in all of the actors faces; yes, their all that talented.

Drive is a movie that fires on all cylinders, a movie without flaws and with such a level of confidence in all of its aspects that you as the audience buy every second of it. Immersing yourself deeper and deeper as the driver follows a path of vengeance to its brutal and extremely satisfying end. Drive is incomparable, it constantly breaks the formula and provides genuine shocks throughout, just when you think you have it figured out it deifies expectations. Drive is an incredibly stylish ride with a giant breath of fresh air; its a simple story that is made all the more engaging with a phenomenal lead actor, brilliant direction and a beautiful score. Its a film that has helped me remember how movies can be a truly transcendent experience. GO SEE IT, NO EXCUSES.

(5 out of 5)