The Nameless Driver

Rating: Null/10 (26 August 2012)

From the opening sequence, there's a sense of mystery in Nicolas Winding Refn's 'Drive'. It starts with a car chase sequence (reminding one of the 'Fast and the Furious' movies) which ends unexpectedly. 'Drive' is strong in atmosphere and energy and that's because it manages to balance them both. However, it is a character-driven film. Gosling's Drive remains an enigma that is full of contradictions. The first half, after the initial carchase sequence, is rather quiet as it focuses on Driver's relationship with his neighbour and her son. These sequences are wonderfully underplayed through the characters' interactions. The second half is full of adrenaline. The energy escalates to the point of extreme violence which adds another layer to the driver character. Yet, in this portion there clichés, such as the scenes with ruthless gangsters (all feel familiar).
The action sequences are superbly executed. Actually, the entire film is beautifully shot. The colour grading and cinematography are stunning and the soundtrack is outstanding. Ryan Gosling does a good job and Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston and Ron Perlman performs adequately. Albert Brooks is great.
The opening chase sequence gives us a glimpse of what to expect later on but 'Drive' is more than just adrenaline. Perhaps a riddle of sorts in the form of its nameless protagonist.