Review of Drive (2011) by Alasdair B — 17 Feb 2015

I am a sucker for films that involve cars and nighttime cinematography. This film is a cinema lovers wet dream. Out of all the films that came out in 2011, I have heard this was one of the best. "Drive'' is wonderfully directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and stars Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, and Christina Hendricks.

The film is about an unnamed stunt driver played by Gosling. He drives cars and does stunts as a side job for movies. He also secretly aids people in their crimes. He refuses to participate in the crime itself, but rather drives the criminals in and out. He recently moved into a new apartment where a young women and her son live. The two soon become acquainted, and she and her son spend time with him for a time. When her husband Standard (Isaac) is released from prison, he discovers he owes somebody from prison money. The man agrees to help Standard rob a Pay Day Loan place, when things go horribly wrong. He ends up having to unfortunately get his hands dirty, and the lives of the ones he cares about are threatened.

Ryan Gosling has never been a particular favorite actor of mine, but he surprisingly gave a great performance. He doesn't have much dialogue, but he does a great job delivering what dialogue he is given. His performance is subtle and at times very intense. With an all star cast including Bryan Cranston and Oscar Isaac, the film showcases fantastic performances.

Nicolas Winding Refn is a superb director. He brings a sleek and gritty style to the entire film, working well with his assembled cast. As far as the camera work goes, the cinematography is gorgeous. Newton Thomas Sigel does a brilliant job with the nighttime shots and lights his scenes very well. Each shot is beautiful and well thought out. Obviously, the score is phenomenal. One of the highest compliments I have heard others give the film was that it had a great score; and it does. It's wonderful score that adds to the greatness of this small film.

This movie felt very much like an independent film. It's very artistic and small in scope. It's very well written with an interesting story and stylish action. From car chases to gun fights, the action is impressive. The film starts out very quiet, and as the film progresses, it becomes brutally violent, yet never loses control. Everything in the film is always under control. The central character goes from being quiet and dis involved, to violent and involved. But he always controls himself.

"Drive'' is a phenomenal artistic film that succeeds in every way. It's smart, thrilling, captivating, well written, elegantly shot, and has one of the best film scores I've ever heard. I loved everything about this movie. I was captivated by the film, and I can gladly say it is a modern masterpiece.