Drive is the latest critical hit from Cannes to hit our movie screens; originally supposed to be a vehicle for Hugh Jackman, the movie shifted towards a more artsy direction and Ryan Gosling was driven to top billing (I hope you like my car puns). Gosling has really impressed me lately with his recent roles, the supporting cast is full of talented actors (Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Pearlman), and I love great car chase scenes, so I figured Drive would be right up my alley. The movie is about a stunt-driver who works for the mob as a getaway car guy; while going back to his apartment he meets his neighbor (Mulligan) and instantly falls for her – the only problem is her husband is an ex-convict. The movie basically has Gosling trying to pay off her husband’s debts by performing a heist so as to save her and her son from the criminals after them.
For those that have seen the trailer for Drive, it is very misleading (I’d advise you avoid it if possible). It sounded to me like more of an action film; don’t get me wrong, there are some amazing bits of roaring cars and bloodshed, but it felt much more “low key” than I had assumed it would be. There are a lot of scenes that drag on and on with no story progression. Especially in the moments between Gosling and Mulligan, there are some extended parts with sparse dialog where they just stare at each other. Moments like these might have worked if 30 seconds here and there were shaved off, but far too many times I was wondering when the next plot advancement would happen.
I did like a lot about the film despite its handful of dull stretches. I enjoyed most of the actors, but Ryan Gosling was amazing and steals the show. After watching this film, I couldn’t imagine that every guy walking out of the theater would not want to be him. The way he carries himself, the way he chews on a toothpick, the way he remains really quiet, then a burst of violence sparks out – he’s completely captivating in this role. Although I thought there were too few of them, the car scenes were also great. Unlike recent action flicks where quick cut, MTV-style blurs are often the case, here the action was totally understandable and easy to follow. I thought the violence in the film, although more graphic than general audiences may be used to, was “just right” and didn’t seem unnecessary (although one death – won’t say who – involving a shotgun to the head made me react with a Keanu Reeves “woah”). And the soundtrack was very different and ear-catching as well (is that a term, ear-catching?). One thing is for sure – even if you hate the film, it’s unlike anything else you’ve ever seen, so it at least deserves some kudos for that. I just wish it didn’t have those really long takes of staring and nothing happening (one guy in the back of my theater was actually snoring). The movie is really hard to describe, and overall I really am all for this film even if it sounds the opposite - just go see it and judge for yourself!
Rating: B-
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