Hyper-stylised brain candy

Rating: Null/10 (27 October 2011)

The opening credits set the scene for this superb movie: panoramic aerial shots of L.A.; police sirens and a bleeping retro soundtrack. The nameless driver, played by Ryan Gosling,then demonstrates his skills as a heist wheel man, evading the police with calm, deliberate precision.
The past of Driver is unknown: as if he appeared from nowhere. He is a icy cool professional criminal recalling Alain Delons' character "Jef Costello" in cult classic Le Samourai. He too lives an anonymous and solitary lifestyle that could only be found in a big city.Getaway driver by night, during the day, he works as a mechanic and a Hollywood stuntman for his buddy Shannon (Bryan Cranston).
Driver strikes up an unlikely friendship with his neighbour in the decrepit apartment block he inhabits. Irene (Carey Mulligan)and her son Benicio (Kaden Leos) grow closer to Driver over time and there is obvious chemistry between the two adults. This is communicated in a series of glances and smirks from Driver and heart melting smiles from Irene.The burgeoning romance is abruptly interrupted by her husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) returning from prison.
Standard is in deep for protection money with some serious thugs. Like Knights of old, Driver steps up to help fix the situation as it is clear Irene is also threatened. His attempts to assist Standard go absurdly wrong and the film shifts tempo to a blistering revenge gig as it is clear that the chains that link are also the ties that bind. In the mix are two Jewish mobsters: the comical but vicious Nino (Ron Perlman) and the deceptively smooth Bernie (Albert Brooks. The results are bloody and unpredictable to the end.
Nicolas Winding Refn has created a darkly brilliant little gem of a movie that twists and turns to keep you guessing.It looks incredible, awash with neon and tripped out L.A sunshine. The uber cool eighties electronic soundtrack being the spark to the the camera-work bomb. Two performances stand out although all of the acting is very good. Ryan Gosling convinces as the complex, mysterious and curiously caring Driver. He says very little, but the piercing blue eyes and laconic body language communicate much. Albert Brooks is sensational as Bernie, projecting an aura of charm and menace that undoubtedly real life gangsters have in spades.
In summery , this is, in my opinion, one of the best films of 2011. Go see it at the flicks while you have the chance. Chances are you will feel 10 feet tall when you walk out 100mins later.