Review of Drive (2011) by Matthew D — 21 Oct 2017

A gorgeous heist romance.

Drive (2011) is clearly a passion project for director Nicolas Winding Refn. It is gorgeous with every frame like a subtle painting in neon light. Refn's close ups on faces to the wide shots of cars being driven are spectacular to look at, honestly. The story is pretty bare bones and simplistic, but it also works with its primal violence and uncluttered love story.

The slow burn pace of Drive may turn some off, but I found it contemplative. It takes the longing of staring at the woman you love, but cannot be with and multiplies with a driving force. The neon color scheme matches perfectly with Refn's choice of synth heavy soundtrack pounding beneath the scenes.

Ryan Gosling is awesome as the lead Driver. You buy him as the romantic interest and the professional heist getaway driver alike. His calm manner and cool persona blare out from the screen. He plays its quiet, but his gentle demeanor give to way to tremendous violence. Gosling gives a truly stellar performance in Drive.

Carey Mulligan is so lovely and sweet as Gosling's love interest Irene. You sympathize for her situation and want her to be happy. Mulligan delivers a very nice and believable role as a single mother falling in love again that cannot be requited.

The supporting cast in Drive are all very effective. Ron Perlman as Nino is funny, yet intimidating in his massive stature. Similarly, Albert Brooks is terrifying as Bernie in his boastful speeches and silent outbursts of violence. Bryan Cranston is so fun and intriguing as Shannon. I also liked Oscar Isaac as Standard with his attempt at being a decent guy. Christina Hendricks even makes an appearance as the meek Blanche.

Overall, Drive is a thrilling and suspenseful romance film that is disguised as a high stakes heist movie. I love the artistry and aesthetic of Drive, but the performances elevate Drive to greatness.