Drive Review

Rating: 9/10 (9 December 2015)

*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Car chases, mind blowing action, and a touch of romance. What would crime films be without these three key elements? The film Drive incorporates all three of these, but adds more of punch to the action. Director Nicolas Winding Refn, who has a lack of drivers license or knowledge of cars, goes outside of his comfort zone, taking on the film adaptation of James Sallis's crime novel of the same title. Refn's adaptation brings new perspective to the world of crime films with beautiful cinematography that puts the viewer right in with the action. The film
The story follows a stunt driver referred to only as Driver (Ryan Gosling), who works part time as a get away driver for heists, but also works at a garage owned by Shannon (Bryan Cranston). He is drawn towards his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) who's husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac) is in debt to powerful mobsters, and tries to help clear his name after being released from prison. While Standard is in prison, Driver spends much of his time helping out Irene by giving her rides and watching over her and her son while Standard is still in prison. Shannon is a business partner with the head of the mob, Bernie Rose played by Albert Brookes, and his friend Nino (Ron Pearlman).
The film's cast displays a beautiful performance, especially Bryan Cranston and Albert Brooks. Cranston and Brooks are counterparts throughout the film, but have a chemistry matched by no one. Ron Pearlman also delivers a strong role as the tough guy Nino.
Refn's directing style is very artsy and involves an excess of silence, which may throw a first time viewer off; however, the film does pick up with extreme violence. Most of the cinematic shots of Driver are profile shots that are enhanced by side lighting to add his mysterious nature. Gosling's character is mostly silent throughout the film, also adding to his mysteriousness and showing he is indifferent to his surroundings until the girl he loves in danger. Like a book, Driver is not to be judged simply by his appearance. He becomes ruthless and will no allow anyone to stand in his way.
There are a number of horrifying, gory, scenes throughout the film such as the head stomping scene in the elevator. When there is a violent scene-involving Driver, the action is slowed down. It causes much suspense and puts the viewer in the shoes of Driver. As a reference to the fable of the scorpion and the frog, the violence simply expresses how Driver is being dragged down. Everyone Driver has attempted to help (symbolic of the scorpion) have self-destructed and caused a chain reaction, which in turn causes Driver to get himself in to deeper trouble.
Juxtaposing the darkness and violence, the music casts an eighties like vibe that would make fans of eighties movies and music proud. New Retro Wave floods the background music to establish the mood of the action. The theme song, "A Real Hero" by College ft. Electric Youth, consequently plays an immense roll in contrasting the darkness pent up inside of Driver and his being a hero to Irene and her son regardless of what he does to be deemed as such.
If you are a fan of crime films, this is definitely one you do not want to leave this one out. The action and cast alone will bring you pure joy from their outstanding performances, namely Bryan Cranston and Albert Brooks. Drive will leave you wanting more, and ending ambiguously, may just do that in good time. Whatever you do, do not sleep on this one.