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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)
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