Review of Driving Lessons (2006) by Courtney J — 20 Nov 2013

I am not one for a British or religious movie, so at first it was hard to get into. However, when the movie is broken down, I can realize that this is a perfect movie for parents to watch with their children. Apart from my personal disliking of religious and British movies, Driving Lessons is a great family movie and is a good lesson for anyone trying to reach independence and find themselves as they become an adult.

Ben, played by Rupert Grint, is the main character is born into a ridiculously religious family. The movie opens with Ben attempting to take his driving test- he fails. His mother, Laura, played by Laura Linney, looks like your stereotypical housewife. Behind closed doors, she is controlling, hypocritical, demanding, stubborn, and unfaithful. Julie Walters plays an old retired actress named Evie. She hires Ben for what ends up being just a friend.

The symbolism of Ben finding himself and essentially "growing up" is the driving test that he fails in the beginning of the film, and him unknowingly learning how to drive throughout the movie because Evie claims that she is unable to do so. The cinematography is very appropriate, as there are no jumpy scenes. The whole movie is pretty mellow, as it is classified as a dramatic comedy. The soundtrack is small, but fits the movie well. The songs fit the scene in which they are being played in; of course there are religious songs as well.

Throughout the film the family takes care of a man who needs help getting "back on his feet", as Laura tells Ben. In the end of the film, this man who goes by Mr. Fincham, starts dressing like a woman and angrily runs over Laura. This scene comes off as unnecessary and a bit weird. There was no need for Mr. Fincham to be in the movie at all. He served no purpose; any other person could have run her over. Another ridiculous scene is when Evie swallows her car key forcing Ben to stay the night with her camping against Laura's wishes. No rational person would do this, and not to mention the number of medical issues that could come along with her actions.

Apart from the randomness, and ridiculous scenes in the movie, the movie has a good purpose and theme. It starts out slow and is hard to understand the purpose or where it is going. As you reach the climax, you realize its originality and meaningfulness. I recommend the movie to families with teenage children or anyone trying to reach independence.