Drive (2011) ****

                             

Drive – a one word title that could either put you off or have you intrigued.  I love my one-word titled films – especially if they relate to cars.  I know nothing about them, just that some look cool and drive (pun intended) fast.

And yes, this was a very intriguing film.  One which has a very late 70s/80s feel to it.  The retro themed soundtrack also helps in that department (retro themed because they weren’t written at that time).

Drive tells the story of The Driver (Ryan Gosling) – a man so mysterious that we never actually find out his name, or for that matter his history.  He is even billed as The Driver in the credits to add to the mysterious atmosphere that surrounds him.  

The Driver is a part time Hollywood stuntman.  The rest of his time is spent either being a mechanic or a very effective getaway driver – freelance.

The latter is what gets him into trouble when he befriends his very cute neighbour – Carey Mulligan’s (Never Let Me Go, Shame) Irene and her even cuter son Benecio (Kaden Leos).

Technically, it’s actually after her husband returns along with his troubled past.  What The Driver does to keep his new friends safe is what defines part of his character i.e. the fact that he has morals and that is all we truly know about him.  That and the prominent symbolism of the scorpion on the back of his jacket – something he refers to when things come to a head.  A warning, if you will to the bad guys.

Drive is packed full of supporting actors you’ve seen somewhere, many of whom you may be unable to place.  One of my favourites is Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy).  He plays a Jewish thug wishing to be an Italian Gangster.

I love Perlman, especially when he’s playing some form of a psychopath.  His partner Bernie (Albert Brooks) also stood out as the more level-headed bad guy.  Someone whom you spend most of the film trying to like – something I actually did.

What I felt (and this is just a personal note) is ashamed at not recognising a living legend of the silver screen – Russ Tamblyn (see Tom Thumb, West Side Story).  The man is just too cool.

Drive has a very Michael Mann-ish vibe to it.  Pink lettering and all, you almost expect Crockett and Tubbs to jump out at some point (Miami Vice reference to those too young or uneducated in 80s cool). 

Added to this is Ryan Gosling’s outstanding performance in which one stops to think… Who does he remind me of?

For me, it was a young Robert De Niro, circa Taxi Driver i.e. that cool, softly spoken (when spoken) strength, ambiguity and menace.  It is my strong belief that the most softly spoken are also the most dangerous.

I believe Ryan Gosling is an amazing actor.  And the chemistry between him and Carey Mulligan is something that really helps the film.  Though it’s a subtle chemistry rather than an explosive one.  But it’s there… how else could they get away with so little dialogue?

The film seems to be aimed towards people that enjoyed the flashy 80s styled thrillers… so if you’re one of them, this is a definite must for you.  That or if you just like excellent acting.

Don’t watch if you want definitive answers.  You won’t get any.