Art house at its best

Rating: 8/10 (20 September 2011)

It's a rare event when one goes to a movie, expecting to see an action movie littered with mayhem and violence, only to be subjected to an artistic achievement in directing. Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is not only artsy, but is also one of the most gritty and violently graphic films I've ever seen.
Drive starts off leisurely, and you're drawn into Refn's creative direction. In one scene, you follow Ryan Gosling's nameless character as he walks into a supermarket and goes up one aisle and down another; it's minutes later when he leaves, and throughout the whole sequence a word is never spoken. Drive is restrained at times, but just when you think the seat belt is a little too tight and needs to be loosened up, you are broadsided by brutal violence.
Ryan Gosling gives a simple performance as a stunt car driver and mechanic by day and getaway driver by night; and in both jobs he excels. Gosling's character is very low key, sporting a very 80s like scorpion jacket in many scenes and chewing on a toothpick. Gosling's name slips under the radar when speaking of the top actors currently in pictures. Most likely it's because of his somewhat short resume, when compared to his colleagues; however upon scanning over his list of films and seeing his performances it may be time to start including him in those conversations. Carey Mulligan is enjoyable in the short amount of time she's on screen; the same is to be said for Bryan Cranston. Albert Brooks gives one of the best performances of the movie; his Bernie Rose is a welcome addition to great supporting characters.
Drive is more art-house than your typical mainstream thriller. The story is well written, and the cast and director perform at a high level. Refn was very smart by incorporating a riveting high-speed getaway to start off the film, because I think he would have lost a majority of his audience without it. Although the movie moves at such a laid-back pace, I still felt drawn to what was happening and couldn't tear my eyes away from the screen; and this was after having already been sitting in the theater for over 6+ hours for two other movies. If you're squeamish, this isn't for you. If you're looking for a high level of action, this isn't for you either. If you're looking for a well scripted, well directed, wonderfully acted movie that's extremely violent, but all done within reason during the film, then this is a film made for you.
Grade: B+
Award worthiness: maybe a supporting actor nod
Age appropriate meter: 18+ (graphic violence)
visit our site at www.twodudereview.com