Review of Drive (2011) by Brett C — 26 Jul 2014

Included In Lists:

Great Movies.

I still remember my first experience with this film, blowing me away with its mysteriously fascinating protagonist and its sensationally memorable synth soundtrack. The most heartbreaking aspect about that experience was having to return this film to the rental place, and knowing that it would be a while for me to actually have the opportunity to own the film; I normally wait for films to reach at an affordable level before willing to purchase them. Finally, I own the film and watching it again solidified my feelings towards the film; this is one of the best films of all time.

During my first viewing of this film, I was only drawn in to it at a superficial level, but that didn't hold me back from enjoying it, as it featured a simple but also effective story that stayed on my mind for days. Though the film's plot was strong, it was the film's protagonist that made me care so much for this film, reaching to the point where I actually envied the man, wanting to act and dress like him.

In my second viewing, I was able to see this film in a much brighter light, finding aspects that I didn't know existed in this film. Under the film's simple romantic and crime plot, is a character study of an individual who lives a dirty and immoral life, driving and aiding criminals to succeed in their selfish and greedy objectives, and involving or connecting himself with gangsters or shady businessmen. His small, but gracious, encounter with his beautiful female neighbour and her son allowed him to gain a connection and intimacy with another human being, which was something that was always lacking in his life.

As their relationship blooms, he has acquired a yearning to remove himself from his dishonest life and start a fresh one with her. Obstacles delay him from doing so, the return of Irene's husband. Eventually the husband, Standard, sympathetically pulls our protagonist back into the shade with a robbery, which ultimately goes wrong, leading him further down to a destination that he was trying to drive away from in the first place.

From here on, the film starts to move onto a darker direction, showing shades of the protagonist that wasn't found during the film's first hour. Eventually the film leads us to a powerful climax, that builds up in quiet suspense then ending with an emphasis on the idea of moral virtue would always triumph against the black-hearted. I was impressed with the film's approach in delivering this story of redemption, executed with such unpredictability and glamour that many films just couldn't deliver these days.

I find it rare for films to equally deliver both in its spectacle and story, as most cases seems to favour one over the other. If Nicolas Winding Refn created this film only focusing on the former, then I believe I still would have loved this film as it stands out so strongly that trying to forget about it would be useless; the first that always comes to my mind when recalling this film is its seductive pink font. Refn allows the film's story to be paced slowly, letting the audience have more than enough time to soak in the film's subtle emotions, profound character development and gorgeous cinematography; courtesy of Newton Thomas Sigel, but surprises the audience with a sudden splash of violence, showing only enough to give us a sense of its intensity but never to a point of being indulgent. I believe one can find a stronger appreciation with Refn's direction with multiple viewings as many of its elements are handled with such ambiguity and tying the audience down only by its slick sense of style.

Arguably the film's strongest asset is its musical score and soundtrack. It sets up the tone of the film wonderfully, while also emphasising key elements of the film; watching the film's photography without the music remains effective but also hollow. The score and soundtrack provides the film's heart, displaying its emotions in a saturated way but also allowing them to come off as accessible and easy to grasp. My adoration for the film's music is at the point where I actually own it and listen to it frequently.

The film features possibly Ryan Gosling's strongest performance, displaying this stoic quality that actually displays more of the character's inner shadings. Refn knows exactly what he desires from Gosling and with this he was able to draw out more from his performance while also retaining the desired quality that makes the character so unique. Gosling was also supported with a sweet and tender performance from Carey Mulligan. Both actors demonstrate strong chemistry, allowing the film's romance feel layered and un-cliché. The rest of the supporting cast were great, particularly Albert Brooks who maintained a sense of intimidation throughout the film.

Drive is a mesmerizing film, driven by an enchanting protagonist that came to life through Gosling's captivating performance and Refn's stylish direction. Drive is a contemporary classic.