“Drive” is all of these things, and more. It’s got action, it’s got drama, it’s got romance, it’s got violence, it’s got marvellous acting, and by god it’s one hell of an entertaining ride. These key components all mesh together to make “Drive” a mesmerising and beautiful film; indeed, it’s one of the most mesmerising and beautiful feature films of recent years.
It stars Ryan Gosling (“Blue Valentine”) as a man with no name. There’s not one moment in the film where his name is mentioned, thus we know him only as the Driver; this is how he is listed in the end credits. This serves to make the character that little bit more mysterious. Who is this strange man in a silver jacket with a scorpion on the back? What’s his name? Where does he come from? Where’s his family? Why’s he always wearing a silver jacket with a scorpion on the back?
The Driver has three jobs in Los Angeles, one of which he assumedly tells very few people about. One of his jobs is “only part time;” this is his work as a stunt driver for movies. For his second job, he works as a mechanic alongside people-person Shannon (Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad”). His third job is what you might call a little more “interesting”.
You see, some nights, the Driver works as a getaway driver, akin to Jason Statham’s character in Louis Leterrier and Cory Yuen’s “The Transporter.” He drives thieves to their targets, waits five minutes (no more, no less) and drives off with the thieves and their loot before the cops rear their heads. Stick to his rules, he’ll get you out of there safe and sound. Don’t stick to his rules, he’ll either drive off without you or kick you out of the car. It’s his way or the highway, I suppose you could say.
One day, someone doesn’t stick to the rules, and someone gets blown to bits. As a result of this, the Driver finds himself the target of some local mobsters armed with shotguns and straight razors. The Driver can handle himself perfectly fine, but he’s worried for the safety of his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan, “Never Let Me Go”), for whom he appears to have a keen liking, and her young son Benicio (Kaden Leos).
If all this sounds like a typical clichéd action film, that’s because it is. It’s clichéd out the ying yang, there’s very little use in denying that. But the thing is, you will in all likelihood be too captivated by the film’s chic and pizzazz to actually notice any of the well-worn clichés. And if you do happen to notice any and/or all of its well-worn clichés, “Drive” is far too cool and far too stylish for you to really give a hoot.
Yes, “Drive” is a very stylish, very cool and very elegant action film. Its director, the very talented Nicolas Winding Refn (“Bronson”), has deliberately given the film an indie feel that’s uncommon for the genre; it’s designed, rather beautifully, like your typical highbrow arthouse feature. The result is astonishing. Think of it, if you can, as “The Transporter” with an arthouse sensibility.
The film would fit right in with films of the ‘80s; Refn has granted “Drive” with a mood that feels like it’s been lifted straight out of the decade. This mood is supported by the soundtrack, which contains some of the most pitch-perfect pickings of songs for a movie I’ve seen and indeed heard in quite some time. It consists mostly of synthesiser pop tunes that work to complement the images on-screen and the aura surrounding the film; they’re cool, they’re atmospheric and they’re quite tantalising, much like the film.
Gosling, as always, is utterly fabulous. Akin to Gary Oldman’s recent performance in Tomas Alfredson’s “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” Gosling is playing a protagonist who is quiet and who is an introvert. The Driver doesn’t say much, but he makes up for this with his specific set of skills: he can drive, he can fight and he can kill; evidently, these can come in rather handy. This character is a very dangerous person, more of an anti-hero than all-out hero. He’s a potentially violent criminal, but he has a heart and the ability to fall in love; we see that he feels affection, and that’s all we need to know to fully support him.
As it stands, “Drive” is a powerful and sophisticated piece of action and drama, succeeding at both genres without any fault. It’s a controlled, focused and unblinking film that thrills, enchants and intrigues. There is a heartfelt and unspoken romance at the centre of the story, there is a soothing soundtrack, there is graphic violence, there is stunning cinematography, there is outstandingly effective writing and directing, and there is a delightfully understated performance from Mr. Ryan Gosling. I’d say that’s pretty good going for an arthouse “Transporter.”
10/10
Europe agrees!
ReplyDeleteFinally a COOL film outta Hollywood !!!
Kris
Oslo, Norway