Gosling doesn't even need words to get the job done

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2017)

Even though Gosling (his character is unnamed) does not have a lot of dialogue, his facial expressions and body language do the work for him. Even when his accent starts to show when he speaks louder, it's very Californian. His typically stone-cold face contrasts with his cool smiles when he visits Irene and Benicio (and looks like he feels at home). He acts very professionally and strictly during his criminal job, showing how he ultimately has control over his clients. His determination and anger in the latter half of the film is evident and scary, especially with 2 threats he gives to different people. In both of those scenes, you can tell he's clearly going all in.
Irene is sort of his interest and thankfully the relationship does not get awkward. They keep it moderate for a guy who doesn't show a lot of sentimentality. Gosling's chemistry with the kid, Benicio, is almost big-brother-like, where Gosling helps him out of the hole he's unknowingly in. Walter White plays Gosling's manager, who imagines Gosling as an asset to get money from the mobsters Bernie and Nino. Ron, I think, suits the always-angry type crime boss, only giving a damn about his business and reputation.
The car chase scene is also slick, with Gosling keeping his cool (while his passenger swears and acts like a wuss), dodging civilians and performing a brilliant finishing move (FATALITY). The music is just brilliant - all of the tunes they use fit the situation so well, from one describing Gosling's help in Irene's life to an Inception-like tune when he pulls out a hammer (can't tell you when) to keeping it steady while adding to the mood of so many situations.
The only things I would criticise are the unnecessarily graphic violence (WAY too much blood) and the strip club scene where no attempts are made to cover anything up.