Super Stylish and Original Crime Thriller

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2013)

The story follows a stuntman/mechanic who moonlights as a getaway driver with a very strict personal code of practice. It's not covered in the movie but there's something a little off about him - perhaps mild autism or Asperger's syndrome - and it serves to make him a dedicated and intense, if sometimes rather aloof, character. This either seems to translate as detached serenity or psychopathic drive, perhaps a double meaning on the movie's name?
In what seems to be an uncharacteristic move for him, he takes an interest in his female neighbour whose husband is serving a prison sentence. While his involvement with her and her young son is initially a source of great joy for him, this unwittingly sets off a violent chain of events that unfolds throughout the rest of the film, and there on in it's really about him trying to set everything straight while protecting his neighbour and her son.
I really enjoyed this unexpected gem. It is the most unique, stylish and original film I've seen in a good long time. It breathes new life into a genre that has painted itself into a corner.
Within minutes I guessed it was by the same director as Bronson from the extremely stylish visuals and audio. This director seems to have a predilection for European electro-pop music, so if you particularly dislike that music, it's probably going to murder the film for you. I think it works really well on some level. Along with the striking visuals, it serves to reframe otherwise grotty or unpleasant subjects in a more sanitised and elegant, albeit completely fake, context, but one which somehow translates into an enticing alternative reality that sucks you in and makes for a hell of movie experience.
Some well thought out, beautifully choreographed and acutely memorable scenes result. The originality and impact of his movies kind of reminds me of Michael Mann's early films - in particular Manhunter.
I had seen Gosling in Fracture years ago and mistook him for a Hollywood pretty boy. Every film I see him in convinces me further that's not the case, but that he's an intense and talented character actor. The focus and determination in his face during the chase scenes, the innocent scenes with the lady and her kid, the brutal transformation from the start of the lift ride to the bottom. Very subtle stuff. Suffice to say Gosling was really well-cast in this part and he *became* the character - totally convincing. The female lead, Gosling's garage boss, and the gang boss are also strong in support.
For my money this movie uses the full potential of cinema to transmute a potentially grim and angry story into truly beautiful art. My advice is go and see this for yourself and make your own mind up. Just one thing though - there is a lot of graphic violence so I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone under the age of 16 or anybody who opposes violence.