Drive

I can’t stop talking about the movie Drive. I was pleasantly surprised this weekend after seeing it. I say that because, walking into the theatre, all I really knew about the movie was that it was about Ryan Gosling driving cars – and that was enough for me. Obviously.

From the beginning of the movie, I was hooked. The 80’s electronica-influenced songs set the mood for this retro-ish film about an unnamed man who, when asked what he does for a living, answers with, “I drive.” He works in an auto shop during the day, works part-time as a Hollywood stunt driver, and, oh yeah – drives getaway cars in heists. No big deal.

When a heist goes wrong, the story dramatically shifts.

Throughout the entire film, I found myself mesmerized and captivated. There were the moments to laugh at, the moments to hold your breath, and definitely the moments to shriek/jump. It’s a thriller that breaks the stereotype of its genre with a cast of characters that are brilliant at what they do.

As I mentioned, it is NOT your typical Fast and the Furious/Gone in 60 Seconds movie. So, if you’re looking for a mainstream action movie, this is not it. A decent portion of the film involves no dialogue, focusing on the actors’ expressions and actions to build the plot and the mood. I was fascinated by the fact that after the first few lines Ryan had in the movie, he didn’t speak for another twenty minutes or so and it honestly made the movie brilliant. He played the role of The Driver flawlessly. While doing so, he also made two things look ridiculously cool:

Leather driving gloves

and this jacket

Oh, and driving backwards in a car chase is pretty cool too.

Director Nicolas Winding Refn wasn’t afraid to take chances in this film with several intense and rather graphic violent scenes. While I have a feeling that’s where many “mainstream” viewers will say the movie went wrong, I thought the moments of violence were stylistically placed perfectly between the so-quiet-you-could-hear-a-pin-drop moments of the film.

In the packed audience I sat with, there were the times when not a person would move {or maybe even breathe for those scenes}

The film toyed with my emotions and pulled me in deeper than any movie has in quite a while.

Between the soundtrack, the cinematography, the onscreen {and off-screen} talent, and the plot – I’m putting this on my list of favorite movies. According to the conversations I heard while scrambling out of the theatre, I won’t be the only one. The film left a lasting-impression on me. I continued to look over my shoulder for a half-hour {then again, that could be because I was close to the area where scenes from The Exorcist were filmed!} I look forward to watching Drive again!

P.S. I thought it was pretty cool when I found out that Ryan restored the 1973 Chevy that he drives in the movie. What a dreamboat…

For those of you curious to hear the soundtrack, I’ve included a preview for you below with some still footage. I’d suggest listening to the first four songs to get an idea!

Have you seen Drive yet? What are your thoughts? Or perhaps you’re just a Notebook/Crazy Stupid Love type of Ryan fan ;)

What is your favorite “thriller” movie??

 

Okay, my rant is over, ha. On a side note, I really liked Hart of Dixie last night!! I’ll definitely be adding it to my DVR list :)

 

All images via Filmdistrict