Friday, 14 October 2011

Drive - Review

Drive (18)





Drive is my surprise of the year. This review may sound like I’m gushing but I absolutely loved this film, so much so that I will overlook its flaws (only a few in my opinion) because of how awesome it was.

This is probably going to be the easiest yet most stylish character that Ryan Gosling has played, but he plays his character, who has no name and simply goes by the moniker of “Driver” or “The Driver” ruthlessly and full of aggression and with obvious deep psychological issues.

This film is all about style, the direction is superb and it is accompanied by one of the best movie soundtracks I have ever heard, I immediately purchased the OST when I got home from the cinema, it adds to the moody, often dark atmosphere the film has, but also enhances the more light, somewhat 80’s feel the film also has.

The film follows Goslings Driver, a quiet man who does stunt driving and mechanic work for a living but moonlights as a getaway driver for hire at night. The character has an extremely quiet nature and that’s why the aggression and violence come as such a surprise. Cary Mulligan plays our Drivers (sorta’) love interest Irene, living down the hall with her young son, Driver takes a big interest and the more time spent with his neighbours the bigger their relationship becomes. It’s when Irene’s husband Standard (played by Oscar Isaac) returns from prison when the films main storyline kicks into gear and well, the shit hits the fan.



I mentioned the violence earlier, the film does get very violent and the films very laid back and quiet atmosphere enhances the violence. The film doesn’t go too over the top with it either, I would say there are around 4-5 scenes that are pretty bloody, some of which is absolutely BRUTAL and you will know the scene I am talking about if you have seen the movie or have friends who have blabbed on about it.

The acting is superb, the supporting cast (that features a favourite of mine Bryan Cranston) all pitch in to make this a memorable movie. The bad guys are all typical bad guy caricatures, the kind of villain that you WANT to see maimed in some way. Our two main bad guys played by Albert Brooks (Voice of Hank Scorpio from the Simpsons… haha) and Ron Pearlman are both excellent in their roles.

I mentioned some flaws and I really mean it when I say I couldn’t really care less about them because the films style just sucked me in. If I had to say I would say there isn’t enough driving in the movie, when it happens it’s pretty cool and full of suspense but for a film called “Drive” it was lacking. I would also say that when the big turning point in the film happens the story isn’t explained as well as it could have been, it’s easy enough to follow but there are a few things that could have done with a bit more focus.

This film has both style and substance, I have actually high fived people who have also seen it and also share by enthusiasm for this film, they also downloaded the soundtrack straight away too, co-incidence I think not. You need to see this film if you haven’t already, just don’t let kids see it, unless you are similar parents to mine who let me watch Robocop when I was 8, ah memories.

9/10 – My Film of the Year (so far…)


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