Classic

Rating: Null/10 (21 November 2011)

"Drive" is a classic movie in all aspects, no doubt about it. The characters, the acting and the story, the soundtrack, cinematography and all other elements collide to create one of the most powerful and memorable movies in recent years.
Many will find this movie evocative and even similar to the 1978 movie "The Driver" with Ryan O'Neal, while also recognizing some elements from "Taxi Driver".
Make no mistake, this is Ryan Gosling's movie, an explosive performance cements this man as truly one of the top actors working today, and if his projects continue to be chosen carefully and likewise backed-up by similarly strong performances I won't shy away from calling him one of the best actors of his generation (his follow-up role in "The Ides Of March" is no less impressive).
He takes the whole image of the quiet, mysterious "silent type" character to the next level. Long pauses in dialogue (The Kid does not say much in his movie and he does not have to), are punctuated by either quiet moments of sublime power and beauty or unexpected bloody and wonderfully disturbing explosions of emotions and actions.
Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman and Brian Cranston (from TV's "Breaking Bad") are solid here and really support Ryan Gosling's tour-de-force in this movie with their own deft and talented deliveries. Christina Hendricks (TV's "Mad Men") and Oscar Isaac (Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood") have smaller yet still poignant performances. Actually Christina Hendricks's scene was one of the harder to stomach...and that is saying something...mind you it does not detract from the movie but still...ouch!!!! The only weak link for me was Michelle Williams, she is not detrimental to the movie but I am not entirely sold on her as an actress or her presence in this movie. To my mind there were other actresses that could have done just as good or even a better job than her in this instant.
The icing on the cake for me, is that "Drive" really brought to my mind "Bullit" one of my all-time favourite movies. Anybody that can conjure up that movie, and not only that, but also remind me of the unforgettable Steve McQueen with his unequalled talent and cool factor, is notable in my book. Ryan Gosling and "Drive" more than accomplish that!
PS Come awards season Ryan Gosling HAS to be recognized for his strong performances in either this movie, or "The Ides Of March"...if not, then Hollywood is truly out-of-touch with reality and their awards and accolades are worthless and meaningless!