The film revolves around Driver. He has no name as any good existentialist would. Instead he's named for what he does best, drive. Perhaps he could be called Lover or Killer as the film progresses but more on that later. Driver is played by Ryan Gosling in a performance unlike anything he's done before. He's mesmerizing and fits the role perfectly. Driver is a skilled and quiet man. Sound familiar? He's a Blondie for a new generation. Just replace horse for car and gun for... well a lot of weapons. Gosling let's his eyes do the talking and they sure can do that. True emotion comes through in a simple expressions in unbelievable ways, Thank you Gosling! Anton Chigurh watch your back because Driver is ready to make an impact on the world.
Driver is a stuntman/mechanic at day and a getaway pro at night. You rob the place and he'll get you to safety. He's got the speech he tells these robbers memorized down to the smallest detail. This isn't like some stupid trashy "Transporter" shit where it's all about making it look cooler than to actually make sense. The film opens with such a marvelous chase. Driver outsmarts the cops in the most brilliant ways. Hiding in the shadows, knowing his overpasses and using a large crowd are just some of the tricks I'm sure he has up his sleeve. All of this to pulsating score and you have a WOW of a beginning. Speaking of music, they couldn't have done a better job. Each song in the film fits so perfectly there were a few times I was speechless over it.
Driver has a cute neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan). With a kind face and short blond hair tied back with little berates it's no wonder why Driver falls for her. They make cute in simple but moving scenes. Driver isn't a smooth talker, he's speaks when he feels like it. Some may say something is wrong with him for being so quiet but to them I say your just poisoned by the cool guy boring hero. Ever watch an old Clint Eastwood movie? He speaks when he has too and isn't there to make idle chit chat. What Driver feels is apparent in his eyes. Irene's husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) is released from jail not long after the two become close. He's a good man at heart but Irene still seems him as a man who's done wrong. Standard owes some money to heinous people who'd have no problem hurting Irene and her child. Driver looks to help but like all movies, things won't go smoothly.
"Drive" starts off as one movie and ends another. The earlier half is dedicated to building characters wisely as it should. The second is a holds no barred thrill ride that knocks the audience around. "Drive" is a throwback to many movies while maintaing it's originality. It's got the 80's vibe with an unusual but wicked supporting cast and a pop soundtrack. It's similar to films like "Le Samourai" and "The American" where the hero has a dark and empty past that sets the mood of the film. There's work here inspired by "Bullit", "Vanishing Point" and "To Live and Die in LA". I could go on and on and each time I felt the impression of these other films was thrilling.
The supporting cast is something to boast about here. Those I mentioned are fantastic but that's not all in the bag of goodies. Christina Hendricks of Mad Man has a small but all too great cameo. Bryan Cranston shows why he's true asset to his field as the mechanic that supplies Driver his cars. Ron Perlmen plays a dastardly gangster running his business out his pizzeria. So many talented TV actors here. However I've saved the best for last. Ladies and gentlemen I'd like to introduce you to what should be best supporting actor nominee Albert Brooks. Brooks is playing against his typecast to such an extreme that every second on screen is a devilish delight. Brooks is known for playing good men (he did the voice of Marlin in "Finding Nemo") but here he is a bloodthirsty gangster. The things he'll do with a knife will drive a chill down your spine. Something I found hilarious was Brooks' character once made B films in the 80's. There was a lot of violence in them and one critic even called them "european". Are they trying to reference their own movie? Either way Brooks gives a tour de force of sheer intensity that should not be ignored during Oscar season.
I'd like to take a minute to point out the talented work by cinematographer Newton Thomas Sigel. His use of light and filters deserves all the praise I can give it. What I would like to say something about is the scope of his shots. His depth of focus is so well created that some scenes become beautiful in the simplest ways. There's a shot of Driver and you can see his reflection in a car window. You can see everything around him in decent detail except for Driver. He is black, I like to think this is referencing his past. Another scene is when Standard returns home. They throw a party and as he gives a little speech there's a picture in the background. He's talking about what he did hurt his family and the picture is a house with a crack going throw it. How smart is that? There must be at least ten scenes like this but maybe you should discover the delight of finding some on your own.
When "Drive" turns into a revenge driven thriller at the end it never losses it's art house roots. It's the perfect blend of artsy and action. Something you don't see often. There's a scene in a elevator that I think can be broken down in such ways that film classes should be analyzing it in the future. Driver, Irene and a stranger stand in a elevator. Driver sees the gun in the man's coat and knows he's there to hurt him and maybe her. Driver takes her aside and gives her a passionate kiss and then turns his attention to smashing in the man's head. The film has shifted in this scene so much from a man trying to escape his situation to a pure grade A revenge film. Driver also is showing to Irene that this is the way things need to be. One last pure innocent moment before he must do the horrible thing that needs to be done. it's a perfect scene for a perfect movie.
Nicholas Winding Refn has done some beautiful things here. It's phenomenal work that deserves attention. He won best director at the Cannes Film Festival which is very prestigious. I can see why. "Drive" is a tremendous film on all fronts that never loses it's steam. Paced fantastically from beginning to end. This is a movie that needs to be seen. It's a cult classic in the making. Years from now I'm going to be looking kindly on "Drive" and I know I won't be alone.
10/10
Recommendation: To me there are two people in the world now. Those who love "Drive" and then those who don't meet that category. You should make the time for it because I can honestly say this is one the best of the year and deserves the unanimously praise.
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