Drive is a movie made in the wrong decade by the wrong director. Looking like an entry from one of the masters, Michael Mann,
Drive could have easily been made in the 80's. Directed by relative newcomer Nicolas Refn, this is a fantastic...homage is not the right term, but I'm going to use it here, to the intelligent films from the early 80's. I may be reaching here, but it really reminded me of the James Caan classic:
Thief. The story revolves around a Hollywood stunt driver (who is oddly never named) who does work as a driver for, shall we say, a less legal workforce in his down time. The Driver is a quiet, subdued person who views his chosen profession as simply a way to make ends meet doing something he is good at. He eventually gets involved with his pretty neighbor and her son, adding a complication to his life. Once he realizes that this woman is being targeted for assassination, he has to act in the way he knows how. The action is outstanding, and the actual chases are wonderfully shot. Unfortunately, also like Michael Mann, there is a bit of slowdown in the middle of the movie, but it is short lived.
Ryan Gosling continues his rise as one of the best young talents acting today. He can act so subtly that a simple look can convey a drastic mood shift. It's incredible. Albert Brooks (yes, the funny guy) is the main antagonist here: Bernie Rose, a cold-blooded gangster who gets what he wants. Period. It's a pretty cool change of pace. Carey Mulligan is Irene, the Driver's neighbor, and resident damsel in distress. Bryan Cranston and Ron Perlman round out the rest of the great cast.
Driver would have been great in the 80's and is a phenomenal movie in 2011. It drips retro charm and offsets that with outstanding action, story, and acting. Make a trip to your local theater to see this before it makes the trek to dvd and Blu-Ray. I had a blast watching this, and wanted to turn right around and see it again. 9/10.
See you tomorrow, and GO WATCH A MOVIE!!
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