Drive

A Hollywood stuntman with a shady side job as a getaway driver finds himself in deep water when he gets involved with a neighbour.

STORY/PLOT

The story is about a man we know only as The Driver. A mechanic and Hollywood stunt driver by day, by night he offers his talents to the criminal underworld as a getaway driver. After forming a close bond with his neighbour Irene and her young son, Irene's partner is released from prison, bringing trouble with men he owes money to. Worried for their safety, The Driver offers his hand in a job that quickly spirals out of control.
Drive is a fairly straightforward story with enough underlying substance to keep you locked in and doesn't make the mistake of trying to be anything else. It's expertly written, beautifully paced, doesn't overstay it's welcome, all the characters are likeable and the parts that are meant to hit hard, hit, and it's damn near perfect. If it wasn't for a minor fault with the ending it would be.
Drive isn't completely full of violence but when it is violent, it's messy. It's very visceral. When The Driver kisses Irene for the first time in the elevator it's because he knows that what he's about to do will change their relationship forever. Drive should have stuck to it's guns and left out the scene at the end where Irene knocks on his door. A minor gripe but to me it's a significant enough blemish on what is otherwise a perfect story.

ACTING

Drive has quite a star studded cast and with it high quality performances. Whether it's Ryan Gosling, Brian Cranston, Carey Mulligan or any other name big or small, everyone delivers.

CHARACTERS

All of the characters in Drive are likeable. They all achieve what they are meant to for the story and are portrayed excellently by all of the cast, but Drive it the movie that made Ryan Gosling cool. It wasn't until this film that I got interested when I saw projects that involved him. The Driver is a mysterious and reserved man. He has a tough outer shell but underneath it all he can be kind and caring. He's also a no nonsense kind of guy that can resort to extreme violence in a matter of seconds when needed. We don't know a great deal about him or his past and that actually makes him more interesting. Great character.

CINEMATOGRAPHY/DESIGN

Absolutely gorgeous. Packed full of style from the get go with the 80's theme in a modern day setting and the retro pink 80's font. The camera work is slick with the close ups and some shots looking like comic stills brought to life. The car chase scenes are top quality as are the gore effects and costume design. The Driver looks badass.

SOUNDTRACK/AUDIO

Drive has one of the greatest original soundtracks of all time. Playing massively into the 80's theme it consists of a mix of synthwave and atmospheric ambient electric tracks. On top of creating a deep, thick atmosphere for the movie it's also a soundtrack that is infinitely listenable.

OVERALL

Drive is an exceptionally well made film. Ultra stylish, looks beautiful, sounds beautiful, full of talent with a runtime that feels perfect. Other than a minor slip with the ending, Drive is damn near flawless.