Review of Drive (2011) by Mike P — 07 Dec 2013

Why is it that nowadays, whenever a mindless action movie filled to the brim with explosions and car chases comes out, everyone complains that it has no substance or value; but when a film like Drive comes out that's smart, stylish, and treats the audience with respect for their intelligence, there are still people that complain that it's boring and it doesn't have enough action in it? Make up your minds people! What is it that you want?

Drive would have been such a spectacularly worse film if it was nothing more than just a Fast & Furious clone. Drive is a film with rich characters, an engaging story, and outstanding direction taking the place of ridiculous, over-the-top action.

This film just oozes style. Every single shot is meticulously pristine and perfectly captures the atmosphere of the scene. The soundtrack is also brilliant. From "Tick of the Clock", to "Nightcall", to "Real Hero" every single track is perfectly placed and makes an impact.

Ryan Gosling has been criticized for not having enough dialogue in the film. While he doesn't say much, at least he's not a mime like he is in Only God Forgives. He speaks when it's necessary, and it makes the dialogue that he does have all the more effective.

Though Gosling may not have much to say, all of the supporting characters like Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman, and especially Albert Brooks are rich with great dialogue. Brooks is a menacing and intimidating villain while always remaining a three-dimensional character. He's a bad guy, but he has depth. Ron Perlman is somewhat goofy, but hilarious and threatening when he needs to be.

But the real star of this movie is Nicolas Winding Refn. He has a true eye for film-making and it's his direction that makes this film as special and unique as it is. He knows exactly where to point the camera and just how long to hold a shot for. He creates brilliant tension through character interaction as opposed to action spectacle.

Drive is a masterpiece of modern film-making and it doesn't deserve to just be dismissed as being boring. If what you want is a non-stop action romp similar to the Fast & Furious series, then this is not the film for you. However, if what you are looking for is a masterfully directed, beautifully shot, and intense drama, then look no further than Drive.