Drive is a fantastic experience that works in a visual and intellectual level

Rating: Null/10 (24 September 2011)

So I had been highly anticipating this film ever since I saw stars from my two favorite current shows Mad Men and Breaking Bad. I was even more excited for it when I saw some of the reviews. I can definitely say that this is the stand-out film of the year and as of now the best.
There can be good blockbusters, good action films, good mainstream films. Many films have proved that. But watching Drive really makes you wonder where real patience in films have gone. This is definitely not a crowd-pleaser, and as I heard people getting restless and start yawning in a movie theater I got a little upset. It just really got to me how restless people can be. The pace in the film was established from the start, so that throughout it remained consistent and flowed smoothly. In fact, this is probably one of the most quiet 'action' films I have ever seen, if not the quietest. The silence and the hypnotizing pace all works brilliantly, with the incredible synthetic soundtrack in the background. It all works because of the director. The screenplay is simple and great, but the director was the one who really gave the film a tone unlike any recent film I have seen. The basic vision and style he gave the film makes it work from start to finish, even some really incredible slow-motion scenes (coming from someone who hates slow-mo). He is helped by a brilliant cinematographer who captures some of the most memorable scenes in years.
If anything, Drive should be analyzed from a technical stand-point because in that department is is incredible. Here the film has substance, but its style also becomes part of its substance. I don't want to discredit the performances though, which were all great. Bryan Cranston and Christina Hendricks really played to the most that they were given. Ryan Reynolds was able to play this character completely serious and completely sympathetic, and Mulligan was as charming as ever. I really can't see any other film being able to pull of the tone that this film gave, in that of a neo-noir and art-house film put together with a retro drama/action film. A stand-out, yet simple, film that really makes you wonder about the real ambition and respect that other films don't have.