Skip to main content

Drive (2011)

Drive is about a stuntman and mechanic who also does a side job where he a getaway driver. Things get heated when he gets involved with the mob by helping his neighbor.

The film is directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. He's worked with Gosling before when he did Only God Forgives a mediocre film but regardless very well directed. Refn directs one of the best performances from Gosling and Mulligan. This film also has one of the best car chases I've ever seen as well as the introduction of the main character. Everything has a place in a film like this, even a shot of the back of Gosling's jacket shifting.

Ryan Gosling plays the Driver. He has one of the best examples of minimalist dialogue with only speaking 116 lines. He has intensity and emotion in his expressions and the delivery of his lines. There's a scene especially when he talks with his neighbor's kid and asks him how he knows who the bad guys are. It's great. Look deeper and you'll find gems.

Oscar Isaac could have played the run of the mil Hispanic ex-convict but chose to change it up and become more relatable and realistic. Even though he's a challenge to the main character he still knows that he holds a place in Irene's heart because of the son they share. He knows the Driver has intentions with her but there aren't stereotypical actions.

This film introduced me to Carey Mulligan as a wonderful actress. I mean she was in Public Enemies and Wall Street before this but her performances were forgettable and nothing really worthy of note. This was her first time she really impressed me and again in The Great Gatsby. She can really sponge up the vulnerable and let it ooze out with Refn's camera work.

Who would have thought Albert Brooks would make such a wonderful villain. It's apparent from the first time he meets the Driver and comments on how his hands are dirty. I can't remember specifically the line but it was great. The driver says literally, "My hands are a little dirty."To which Burnie Rose replies "So are mine," meaning it more metaphorically. It's great.

Result: A+ (One of my favorite movies. I've seen it over fifty times)
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Wuthering Heights (2026)

Wuthering Heights is directed by Emerald Fennell , known for Promising Young Woman and Saltburn , and opens with a striking image that immediately signals this will not be a conventional adaptation of the classic novel. The film remains faithful to several of the book's narrative choices, particularly in how it lingers on the characters' early years before fully embracing the central tragedy. While this approach accurately reflects the source material, the pacing occasionally suffers, with several montages and extended childhood sequences lasting longer than necessary. One element that works especially well is the portrayal of Catherine and Heathcliff's adoptive father, whose volatile temper contrasts sharply with the affection he shows the two children, echoing one of the novel's stronger character dynamics. Margot Robbie , known for Barbie and I, Tonya , delivers one of the strongest performances of her career as Catherine. She captures the character's passio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Supergirl (2026)

Supergirl is directed by Craig Gillespie , known for I, Tonya and Cruella , and written by Ana Nogueira . The film attempts to launch a new corner of the DC universe while simultaneously giving Supergirl her own coming of age journey. While the movie does succeed in giving its protagonist a genuine character arc and lays some groundwork for future stories, the script often struggles with dialogue and plot points. Several lines land awkwardly, pulling scenes out of their emotional moments rather than enhancing them. In many cases, the performances feel less at fault than the direction, as stronger takes or rewrites could have improved several key exchanges. Milly Alcock , known for House of the Dragon , carries the film and easily emerges as its greatest strength. She brings vulnerability, confidence, and determination to Supergirl, making the character feel relatable even when the material around her falters. Alcock does everything she can with the dialogue she is given, and her per...
Post a Comment
Read more

Citizen Vigilante (2026)

Citizen Vigilante is written and directed by Uwe Boll , a filmmaker whose work has always been divisive, and this film continues that trend. The movie tackles issues surrounding immigration, social tensions, and public frustration, themes that have been prominent throughout the decade. Surprisingly, the film often approaches these subjects from a perspective that many viewers may not expect from a major studio release. While the political themes are front and center, the larger issue is that the writing struggles to make the world and its characters feel believable. Conversations often lack the natural reactions people would have in real life, particularly younger characters who accept lectures and speeches with very little resistance or personality. Armie Hammer , known for The Social Network and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. , plays the vigilante and spends much of the film using a gravelly, Batman-inspired voice. He commits fully to the role, and his physical presence works well for th...
Post a Comment
Read more