Superb

Rating: 9/10 (16 April 2013)

The opening credits flash Grand Theft Auto's 'Vice City' hints, with its cool and classy pink font, introducing us in style to Gosling's 'Driver' for the first time. Yes, Gosling's Driver. He absorbs the character as valiantly as Robert Downey Jr.'s 'Iron Man'. Very few names spring to mind when imagining a replacement. I automatically fell for his majestically mysterious character. With no name other than Driver, we embark on the leather-glove-wearing-smooth-criminal's story, which is slowly and elegantly leaked out to us over the course of the movie. A part-time stunt man who works with the manipulative and shady Shannon (Cranston) at a car garage and spends more time in his car than his small apartment (which is never seen in full light - not one for interior design maybe?), you cannot expect an easy answer to his story and past.
As this profusely poetic performance from Ryan (Yes, first name basis now) develops we are opened up to his expanding character. From a rock skimming gentleman holding the the son of Irene (Carey Mulligan), Benicio as he sleeps. To a driver perspiring confidence behind the wheel of a get-away vehicle and using excessive force when defending those he cares about . Elusive and weary behaviour, limited speech and social contact built from a fantastic lead man, complimented by solid supporting characters (Cranston, Mulligan and Albert Brooks in particular) all combine to create a masterpiece of entertainment.
'Drive' is a clear cut example of how 'less is more'. My favourite movie to emerge on to my screen from the movie industry over the last three years.