Drive Review (From Archive)

July 14, 2015

Drive is one of my favourite movies of all time. Nicolas Winding Refn is flawless in his direction of this movie( although he does love comparing everything to sex). Something which I found surprising is that he is both colour blind and dyslexic…probably explains his choice for his title of the movie to be pink. Because of him being colour blind, he made the movie to have a high contrast; Ironically the high contrast made this one of the most colourful movies. All the colours pop. This huge level of colour really does compliment his aim to make the movie feel dreamlike. His vision of it feeling dreamlike certainly shows on screen; he does this uses long takes, and tracking shots. The lighting of this movie is fantastic; the lighting will often change to show the emotion being portrayed on screen. For example in the romantic scenes between Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan’s characters, the lighting will become softer, often with a sunset. This really supports the feeling of it being dreamlike.

In the movie’s opening getaway, the camera never leaves the car. It stays inside, giving Drivers perspective. Making it feel more intense as if you actually there inside the car with him. This level of great direction never ceases or falters throughout the rest of the movie. Every shot, every scene is perfectly captured. You can tell how much work they put in to find the perfect angle for the scene to be filmed or the perfect delivery for the lines of the actors.

Something also worth taking of note is the amount of subtext and imagery which is created. You could spend days analyzing each scene. For example, when Driver confronts the character Bernie, Bernie holds out his hand for a handshake. Driver before shaking his hand, says “my hands are a little dirty”, and Bernie responds with, “so are mine”. This level of hidden meanings in dialogue and imagery remains throughout the movie. Things you only pick up after several viewings of this movie. I won’t go into them because of spoilers.

Something also worth note is the incredible soundtrack. I am listening to it as I write this review! A mixture of techno and classical. It all sounds new and fresh – unheard of before. It perfectly compliments what is going on screen. The songs fit each mood which is being portrayed in the scene. Initially, when you start the movie, you immediately notice the soundtrack because of how different it sounds, however, once the movie immerses you it becomes unconscious. Also, the level of immersion of this movie is one the best of any movie I have seen. Its pace is slow, but soon as you start watching, you quickly become hypothesized. In preparation for making this review, I went to watch its fantastic opening, however, I ended up watching the entire film!

Ryan Gosling nails it as the main character and the film’s protagonist, who is only ever known as driver. Something to also take note is the fact the main character’s name is never revealed. I hate it when movies deliberately do this just to be artsy. However, Drive’s dialogue is so well done, that it’s unnoticeable. After the first time I watched this I was totally unaware of him lacking a name.

Ryan Gosling became his character. Nicolas Winding Refn let him chose his own car and make it himself. Talk about method. In the film you can tell that this is Driver’s car, it’s all worn in, and you can tell that he feels most at home behind the wheel.

Gosling’s character is the walking definition of the strong silent type. He will often pause and gestures with his face before answering people questions if ever does. Some things don’t need to be said, and Drive knows that exactly. Every line has been stripped down in it’s simplest form to perfectly convey just enough information to both the characters and the audience. The dialogue is perfect.

Albert Brooks stars as the films main antagonist, Bernie Rose. Brooks’ commitment to the film is incredible. For instance, he shaved off his own eyebrows to make his character feel more emotionless and cold. His appearance is not half of the coldness his character gives off, his performance is the main factor. Through the way he acts, you can tell he has dreams to be legitimate in his business. Also, you can tell he does not enjoy killing, but if he has to, he won’t hesitate. He has such a presence on screen. he is a truly terrifying villain. You never know what he is going to do or what he is going to say.

All supporting cast is great. Bryan Cranston plays a hustling friend and boss to the driver. He is initially kinda charming yet shifty at the same time. His character develops to the point where you feel sympathetic towards his character. Carey Mulligan’s performance is great also. She plays the love interest of the driver, which however is not sexualized in the slightest. You like the driver, begin to care for her character and the character’s son.

To conclude, Drive’s Cinematography is beautiful, The acting is so believable. The action sequences are fantastically directed and have brutal yet highly realistic violence. This movie is flawless in every aspect and is a masterpiece. You really must see this movie if you haven’t already.