K. Harris "Film aficionado" (Albuquerque, NM) (TOP 10 REVIEWER)(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)(REAL NAME)
In a year in which Ryan Gosling could do no wrong from romantic comedy (Crazy, Stupid, Love) to political drama (The Ides of March) to this art house actioner--"Drive" stands as the apex of his career-changing film streak. I have, for many years, declared Gosling perhaps the best actor of his generation. Ever since he burst onto the film scene in the controversial "The Believer," Gosling has eschewed being a mainstream "star." Heck, after "The Notebook," another actor might have taken a very different career path. But Gosling, despite a couple of disappointing forays into big budget Hollywood, has remained true to his indie roots. Until now, that is. This year, he seamlessly blended indie cool with mainstream appeal. Of course, in "Drive" he found the perfect filmmaker and artistic collaborator in Danish auteur Nicolas Winding Refn. The two began a very public bromance and have already embarked on their next film project (2012's Only God Forgives). Winding Refn is an ultra-cool writer/director whose resume is populated by some of my favorite international hits, and he picked up the Cannes Best Director prize for this. If you are unfamiliar with his work, I strongly suggest you invest in "The Pusher" trilogy--a series of films exploring the underbelly of the Copenhagen drug scene. Well that's a lot of build-up to "Drive." But here's the thing, I'm not going to elaborate very specifically on this m ovie. Anyone who reveals too much is doing the movie a complete disservice. It is a film that is best left to unfold at its own pace with all surprises intact. The movie makes the most of its seedy Los Angeles setting. Gosling plays an unnamed stuntman who gets a sideline job working for a crime syndicate boss, played by an uncharacteristic Albert Brooks. All I will say is that things take an unexpected turn, and Gosling morphs from a virtually silent protagonist into a stone cold nightmare. It's an exciting transformation and one that will linger with you. This is modern noir at its finest, but with a decidedly art-house vibe. It combines an edgy urban seventies sensibility with the man-with-no-name western allure. I think many expected "Drive" to be a car movie or a non-stop action picture, but it is essentially a slow-burn character driven piece about how far one man can be pushed. But make no mistake, it continues to ramp up to extreme proportions before the blood soaked finale. The filmmaking is top-notch throughout. There is an exquisite use of light, shadows, neon shadings, and arresting street level views of Los Angeles which make the visual appearance of the film quite spectacular. The odd techno-pop soundtrack is unorthodox, to be sure, but somehow fits perfectly. The editing and camera work is assured and edgy at the same time. And the effects are brutal and unforgettable. Add to that a great cast, and "Drive" becomes a can't miss proposition. Gosling shows a different side here, but the performance everyone will talk about is served by Brooks. Brooks paints one of the most memorable villains on screen this year, completely against type, and will probably be looking at serious awards consideration. Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman and Christina Hendricks help round out the cast. "Drive," ultimately, may not be for everyone and that's OK. Winding Refn has put together a near perfect film for adult audiences. If you check yo ur expectations at the door, don't read spoilers, and settle in (oh and it helps if you aren't particularly squeamish)--this is a ride well worth taking. KGHarris, 12/11.
By
nvcameron (Chicago, illinois USA)
Before watching this film you have to understand that this is an arthouse flick masquerading as a Gone in 60 Seconds type of film & if you're expecting Gone in 60 seconds or a Michael Bay type of action film you'll be soooo disappointed...On the other hand if you're looking for a smart superbly crafted methodically paced/shot arthouse film you'll adore this! I love both stupid action films & foreign arthouse fair so this film is a match made in heaven & one of the best films ive ever seen even though ive seen dozens of films like this(every c liché in the genre book is presented here but thats beside the point)...This film is in love with itself...Cant give it enough stars...For the folks who hate "Drive" i understand & i forgive you...lol
By
Nightmare Man (Memphis, TN USA)
What a stylish and beautiful, yet uncompromising and unrelenting drama. It is a violent crime tale, but it is also a love story of rare restraint and deeply moving selflessness. Ryan Gosling deserves a best actor nomination, Albert Brooks a best supporting actor nod. The film itself is entirely deserving of best picture recognition. And the director, I hope, has not exhausted his creative energies with this remarkable effort, because he appears entirely unswayed by the shallow and formulaic conventions of to day's cinema. And the music ... well, Oscars have been handed out to scores not half as good as this.
By
Lucas Stein (Ann Arbor, MI) (REAL NAME)
This movie was out of control. It was nothing like I expected and I mean that in a good way. I was pretty high when I watched it so it was kind of hard to follow the plot but I was very entertained. The ultra violence freaked me out a bit, but that's OK too. Is he some kind of autistic guardian angel?I'm convinced that they didn't shoot enough footage of Ryan Gosling. Maybe he had to fun off to shoot Ides of March or something. So, they created a reason for his character to wear that mask. Then the used slow-mo in many scenes to extend the existing footage.4/5 because they didn't utilized Christina Henrick's boobage to a great enough degree. Also, clean
By
Dayna Newman "Slasher Diva" (Tampa) (REAL NAME)
Drive isn't for everyone but if you 'get it' and don't expect the same old boy meets girl action flick then this 'is' for you. It's beautifully shot and the musical score is hauntingly effective. Ryan Gosling is amazingly subdued and he is able to convey an emotion with a facial expression better than if he were to have 1000 lines of dialogue.It's extremely violent and has some better special effect scenes than some big budget slasher films I have seen. The entire cast is great and everyone does their part to add to the atmosphere, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston being on par second to Gosling. It has that indie feel to it but you can tell the budget was large. The use of lighting was genius incorporating just the right amount of Neon as was most everything else about the film. Goslings character has no name he's referred to as 'Driver' and it's apropos because he remains almost an enigma with a heart of gold,just don't cross him.His moods being distinguished mostly by the clever shots of him while he's driving seeing as that seems to be where he feels most at home.
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