There are very few movies that make you feel as uncomfortable as the film “Drive” does. The first 40 minutes are very slow moving with an emotional setup. It is a mixture of slow camera movements and lingering shots of intensity. Even the music of the film, while beautiful, is meant to make you feel uncomfortable. You start to forget you are watching a thriller, (and you may start to feel kind of bored) but this is all part of the director’s point. The character Driver (played by Ryan Gosling) stares blankly at everyone that speaks to him, and all the while you wonder what he is really thinking.
These subtle characters, pace and music, make you relax, so that when the violence starts, you are shocked by its graphic nature. When Driver starts to care for his neighbor Irene (played by Carey Mulligan) he gets involved in deeper issues than he was bargaining for. There is no end to what he will do to keep her safe. There seems to be a interesting feel throughout the movie put forth by shots of Ryan Gosling as seen through reflective surfaces, car mirrors, windows and shadows. This is interesting film-making that most movie goers won’t notice. I enjoyed this film for its depth in areas, and simplicity others. All the answers will not be given, leaving you wanting more.This film has the feel of David Cronenberg’s “A History of Violence”, and “Eastern Promises.” If you like those films with their level of realism, you will enjoy this film. See it!
The Rating System:
Production (Directing, Editing, Music) 5-5 One of the more artfully crafted films I’ve seen, fantastic score.
Story (Plot) 3-5 Felt a little like “ The transporter” at times, but still interesting.
Characters (Likability, Acting) 4-5 I would have liked to known more about the character Driver
Writing (Dialogue, Cleverness) 4-5 Not much dialogue (which was the point), subtle
Emotions (Was it: Fun, Scary, Sad, Do I Care?) 5-5 You will be shocked by this one
Overall score 21-25
I have not seen this, nor did I have much interesting in doing so. Your review kind of makes me want to see it. More than I did, So I guess wonderful review sir. It worked, I'm almost sold.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with you wanting to know more about the Driver. You can pick up the subtleties of his duality. His shiny jacket yet deep character is shown through the reflective surfaces you mentioned - you think what you see on the surface is what you get, but there are two sides to him. As I watched, I kept hoping he would redeem himself in some way and give up his life of crime, fight for Irene because he wanted to be with her knowing she would be better off with him. But in actuality she is better off with her husband, and he knows it. He can emotionally disconnect himself at will and move on. It’s this demeanour that makes him a powerful 'getaway man'. The ease with which he can 'shift gears' through life is disturbing, yet at the same time appealing.
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