Thursday 12 April 2012

Film: Drive



A Hollywood stunt driver (Ryan Gosling) has a nice sideline as a getaway driver in this critically acclaimed thriller from director Nicolas Winding Refn (Valhalla Rising).

Gosling begins a tentative relationship with a neighbour (Carey Mulligan) but when her husband is released from prison he brings trouble with him, in the shape of thugs who reckon he owes a huge debt for protection provided. Gosling decides to help pay off the debt by being wheel man on a lucrative job but things don’t go according to plan.

This is much more than the action extravaganza I was expecting. Yes, there is violence, explosive at times, but it’s all handled majestically by Refn who delivers on the promise previously shown in the beautiful but weird Valhalla Rising (see review elsewhere here).

Gosling gives a tour-de-force performance as the quietly spoken driver who always retains an air of menace and Sons Of Anarchy / Hellboy star Ron Perlman is excellent as one of the slimy gangsters.

A film containing as much emotion and thought rarely also has the excitement that Drive delivers. Fine performances, brilliant characters, sleek visuals and a cool soundtrack make it easy to see why people where upset that this was ignored by The Oscars.

Ric’s Rating: Essential

6 comments:

  1. I thought this was one of the best films of 2011. A very stylish, art-house action flick.

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  2. I feel a little bit guilty saying that Drive needed more driving. When the action comes it is tense and artfully done without shying away from the extreme violence, but that all starts to go away as soon as the characters start talking, or sighing and looking at each other. Nice review Ric.

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  3. I can't wait to see this one... Valhalla Rising blew me away. I recommend it to people and they either loved it or hated it. This one is highly anticipated for me!

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  4. Thanks for the comments guys.

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  5. Javier Stacherano14 April 2012 at 19:07

    I've been really ill all day with hay-fever so I think I might treat myself by hiring this movie tonight. I have noticed this film on the shelf and your review has swung it! Great stuff! Now, do you know a cure for hay-fever?

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  6. Hope you enjoy the film Javier. Thankfully I don't suffer from hay-fever but I do suffer listening to lots of folk who claim to have it. Try blowing your nose!! LOL!!

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