I’m not even going to pretend I’m good at reviewing movies. I’m so not, which is why I don’t do them. But I feel compelled to talk about Drive, because I loved this movie that much. I saw it last Sunday, and four days later, I’m still thinking about it.
Quick premise: Ryan Gosling (of The Notebook fame) is a Hollywood stunt driver by day and getaway car driver by night who finds himself drawn to his lonely neighbor, Irene (played by Carey Mulligan), and her young son. When Irene’s husband gets out of prison, “Driver” finds himself getting caught up in the ex-con’s problems with the mob, and in trying to help keep Irene and her son safe, things go very, very wrong.
We never do learn Driver’s real name, or where he’s from. But somehow that doesn’t matter, because his character is just so present. It doesn’t matter where he’s going. It doesn’t matter what he wants. You just know that you don’t want to miss a single second of what he’s doing right now.
It’s been a long time since I watched a movie where I couldn’t take my eyes off the lead character, and it’s not just because Gosling is beautiful (which he is). He doesn’t even talk that much. He doesn’t have to, because there’s so much said in the way he moves, his facial expressions, his eyes.
Ryan Gosling, you nailed it. You slayed me just by the way you stood there, breathing.
The movie is visceral, tender, violent, and emotional. There was a lot of blood, but it never felt gratuitous. The story unfolded at the perfect pace, never feeling slow, never feeling rushed. There were moments when I didn’t dare breathe. I never knew what was going to happen next – nothing about this movie was predictable, and more than a few times I was shocked. Never have I rooted so hard for a character I knew almost nothing about.
Drive was artfully shot. It had an 80’s noir feel, and while some folks have complained about the strange soundtrack (all songs I’d never heard before), I didn’t mind it. I was already jarred the whole way through – for me, the music only added to this effect.
And oh yeah, I loved that Scorpion jacket.
I came home after the movie and sat for awhile, needing to digest it. I had a ten-minute pity party where I felt sorry for myself because I knew there was no way I’d ever be able write a story as compelling and brutal as Drive, or a character as intoxicating and complex as Driver.
But then I snapped out of it and thought, “Hell with that. One day I will. At least I now know what I’m gunning for.”
Go see Drive. Seriously. It’s brilliant.
(For a more in-depth take on this film, check out my friend Ben’s review at Dead End Follies.)
What have you watched lately?
We saw Drive and Contagion last weekend. Both were excellent movies, although Drive wins out with me precisely because of the facets you pointed out, Jen. The pacing, characterization, and acting was just perfect. A lot of the younger people in my theater left early because it was too slow-paced and not enough action for them. But what the hell do they know, right? 🙂
Ryan Gosling is everywhere this year, it seems. But he did indeed nail this role. I thought the music was odd, too, but for some reason it hit the mark. I don't exactly know how, but it did. If it wasn't for the present-day cars, I would have thought this movie took place in the 80s. You were spot-on about that!
Sold!!! Now I just have to wait until the DVD comes out.
Looking forward to this.
He's dead sexy. That alone is the reason I'll see this. Your review helps too.
Sounds Great. I'm a DVD guy and I'm always on the lookout for great films.
PS. Hugs to Jane.
Man, I have GOT to see this movie!!
Thanks for linking to my review, Jenn. That movie just blew me away. It's rare to watch a movie with one perfect scene. That one had many. My favorite movie of the year so far.
It DOES look really good.. and I'm a huge fan of Ryan Gosling 🙂
I know exactly what you mean–that writer's dichotomy of, on the one hand, totally enjoying a rocking book or movie and, on the other hand, twisting our guts in a knot over our perceived inadequacies. Isn't it great to be an artist? LOL
About your last bit "ever be able to write a story as… character as complex as…" , Yes you will! And did you ever think about all of those aspiring writers who think the EXACT SAME THING about Creep after they read it?? 🙂 Just a different angle to think about! I love the way you say you are no good at reviews and then proceed to give us an awesome one. 😉 Well done!
Also, and completely unrelated, thank you for entering my giveaway at The Modest Peacock ! 🙂 I'm off to create more flower fairies. Have a fantastic weekend!
This is so on my list to see. I'd also suggest WARRIOR. I saw it last weekend and I still think about it. So raw and emotional. My fave this year.
Sounds good to me — and the previews look very cool. We made the mistake of renting Super last night. Fairly disturbing. I think I was hoping for…funny?
Sounds like it had a profound effect on you.
How cool to see something that you enjoyed so much AND served to inspire you. Adding it to my list of "Things I Should See"
Sounds fascinating! *adds to netflix queue*
I watched 'Thor' because L.G. said it was worth a dollar at Redbox. She was right, it was. If only to see Anthony Hopkins in an eyepatch. I didn't even know he was in that movie!
Now I must see Drive!!!
Great review! It definitely makes me want to see the movie… and of course seeing Ryan Gosling doesn't hurt either 🙂
I saw the trailer for this movie and it does look good. Lots of people are talking about it. And I know that feeling of watching or reading something and thinking there's just no way I can ever do THAT. But you're right, at least we know what we're shooting for. 🙂
I've heard such great reviews for this. I'm going to have to see it.
wow- sounds like a see-worthy film! I loved your evaluation- everything that matters was there. PS- you've won a copy of The Picture of Dorian Gray!:) score!
First if all, you SHOULD do more reviews because that was awesome. You sold me on all the nuances that make me want to see a film. Second, I bet it didn't hurt that Ryan Gosling is so freakin' gorgeous! And I agree with what makes that kind of performance outstanding. If an actor is good, he doesn't HAVE to say anything to make his audience understand. Lastly, you have written a story that's compelling & brutal with intoxicating characters. When I finished Creep, in one day, no less, I had those same feelings of inadequacy. Creep is THAT good. So don't shortchange yourself!
Okay. You sold me. I'll see it.
Ryan Gosling really does amaze me with the way he can say so much without saying anything. Did you see Crazy Stupid Love? It's a much different movie, but another excellent performance.
Oh wow, I HAVE to see this movie now! I mean, I was going to anyway, because, you know, Ryan Gosling. But the story sounds incredible!
I do want to see this film, and now even more after your great review. A movie that stays with me after I've seen it is always a big criterion for me to rank it high.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Oooh, I've really been wanting to see this. Now I do even more!!
gorgeous ! 🙂 stunning pics dear 🙂 u are beautiful 😉
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