Drive (2011)
Summary
Genre: Action, DramaGoodies:
+ Indie flick that doesn't suffer from "Indie poo syndrome", + subtle acting with a careful scriptBaddies:
- Feels stale in some places for an atmospheric effect that works MOST of the time, - Pacing of film is off at timesA Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a wheelman discovers that a contract has been put on him after a heist gone wrong.
I would say that Drive lives up to the hype it received. I wanted to see it in theaters, but just did not get the chance. It was one of those movies I said “I’ll see it” even though it didn’t look amazing. After seeing the film, I wouldn’t say it was amazing, but there were some amazing aspects of the film. If a film can be stoic, then Drive fits this term perfectly. One of the highlights (and annoyances) of the film is Ryan Gosling’s lack of talking during the film. He is meant to be an off-putish, yet caring individual, but he literally does not respond to people when they speak to him. Aside from this, the characters and plot were solid. In the muck of Hollywood reproduction, Drive is a refreshing deviation. Ryan Gosling’s character (whom I do not believe is ever given a name aside from driver or kid), doubles as a stunt man and a getaway car driver. When he gets mixed up in a wrong deal that intertwines two storylines together, he takes action. This action is quite unexpected (at least it was by me) when he fights back against scoundrels who want him dead. The film is fast paced, yet oddly feels like you are swimming in oil (not in a bad way). It is a hard feeling to describe, but Drive brings nuance to a whole new level. The other notable piece of interest for the film is the music. The film almost plays out like a music video (don’t let that deter you, it is only in a few parts of the movie), and even when songs are not playing, the score “drives” the movie forward. I would recommend looking at the soundtrack as well. As I have said before, plot and storyline are above all else on my criteria for a good film, but the soundtrack to audio gives it an extra something special that is noteworthy. I don’t know what type of person I would recommend Drive to, but if the film interested you in the least bit, I would catch it, you probably will not be sorry.
