A Movie With All The Right Trimmings, Stylized by Alluring Sounds and Images But lacking in depth and tension

Rating: 8/10 (16 September 2011)

So I'm fairly fresh from seeing this infernal piece directed by Nicholas Winding Refn, and maybe after it has settled a little, I might have a better appreciation for the film, and possibly give it a higher rating. *doubt it*. Let me start by saying that no I was not expecting a quintessential Hollywood action/thriller; filled with thrill inducing car chases, reminiscent of the "Fast & Furious" movies. I understood going into this that it was going to be a art-house production, I mean I wouldn't expect any less with NWR being attached to this movie. So all those fan-boy hipsters that say things like "you probably didn't like it cause it wasn't some big Hollywood budget blockbuster," save your breath. I am a fan of art-house movies, as well as little known directors who showcase brilliant movies.
With that being said, this movie just wasn't that good. And here are a few of my grievances: The story ( I use that term loosely) in its limited entirety was just plain unrealistic. I don't understand why a movie set stunt driver/mechanic would have such grave knowledge on the perfect getaway--OK maybe that detail can be disputed. But can someone bloody explain to me why he is so damn good at kicking a**? Not just your everyday, school yard a** kickin', but like Secret Ops, specialized training kind of kick-ass. Was he apart of the U.S. Navy Seal team that nailed Osama? I don't get it. I also don't get why he was so quiet. Even when he did talk I could barely comprehend what he said. Oh and the long, drawn out awkward silence? Now I am a fan of movies that don't need heavy dialogue to convey a message, or tell the story, but in this movie it was unnecessary. Driver (Ryan Gosling) would look at Irene (Carey Mulligan), she'd look back, then they'd share a nice minute or two of just gazing into each others eye's. Seriously? No one acts like that in real life. I'm surprised Irene didn't get a creep vibe from the moment he gazed silently at her. Then again, she too had a perpetuating gazed, accompanied by a puppy like, watery eyed appearance that could make Satan's heart tingle a little (not necessarily in a good way)--So I guess they are a match made in heaven.
Another thing that was privy to me, was why Ryan Gosling's character was so invested in the life of Irene and her little boy. I mean they barely knew each other, and I don't even think he had spread her legs at that point.
OK, now for the positives, I will say that the direction/camera work was remarkable. That I dare anyone to argue with me. The cinematography was riveting, the colors, the lighting, very reminiscent of Tom Ford's work in "A Single Man". I would love to live in a place where the sun always shines at a quarter of an angle of your face. I would also like to credit the actors even though they don't need my credit at all. I mean Ryan Freakin' Gosling. No words. *Le sigh* And Carey Mulligan has already proved herself to be a sensational actress. And of course Albert Brooks gave a stellar performance. So they are all commended. I wish more could have been done with their incredible talents.
Oh and one more thing, I loved the music. I'm a early 90's baby so that 80's retro music totally blew my mind. I just wanted to stand up out of my cushioned theater seat, and dance my socks off. I really enjoyed the song that was playing during Standards welcome home party. It was literally eargasmic.
In conclusion, I was pretty disappointed in this movie, it was just...lacking. That's all I can say, it needed a little more of everything, except the violence. I think that was enough. I'm upset that I didn't enjoy it, cause like I said I'm a huge fan of art-house, as well as Ryan Gosling; I don't know why he hasn't put a ring on it already. But anyways, those are my thoughts on my experience with Drive.