Drive (2011)

Haven't been here in a while, but this movie impressed me enough to make me want to write about it. I'm not going to lie either, I went to the movie theater because of Ryan Gosling. This movie was nothing like I expected from watching the preview. You think you are going to watch an action movie, about a stunt driver? Wrong. This was a lot more about drama then about action.

According to the dictionary, this is the definition of the word "noir":

1. Of or relating to the film noir genre.

2. Of or relating to a genre of crime literature featuring tough, cynical characters and bleak settings.

3. Suggestive of danger or violence.

Drive does have a bit of all of these elements. Characters are very well built, bad guys don't really need to show they have a reason to be bad guys, and no matter how awful are the good guy's actions, you still cheer for him. It was very interesting to see someone like Albert Brooks playing a character like the one in the movie, someone not very funny or likeable. I am biased when it comes to Gosling, he can pull off any kind of character, and as usual he is amazing at this role. Carey Mulligan, who you might remember as Michael Douglas' daughter in the new Wall Street movie, also did a very good job as the romantic interest for Gosling.

The movie is very intense. It shows a dark and ugly side of Los Angeles, with of course a lot of night scenes. If you are expecting crazy car chase scenes, a lot of action, forget about it. It has about.... ONE good car chase scene, and it doesn't last very long. Not to mention the movie also has some very violent scenes. If you have a weak stomach for that, be advised!

The soundtrack is amazing and suits the movie perfectly. It reminded me a little bit of the awesome soundtrack choices Sophia Coppola does in her movies. Original soundtrack by Cliff Martinez, who a long time ago played drums for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, despite the great music choices, a lot of the scenes have no music at all, which just makes the movie even more nerve wrecking and raw.

I have never heard of this director before, not familiar with any of his previous works either. But I am already a fan. If someone can make me not blink pretty much during the entire movie, hold my breath and not even move a lot of times while watching it, spend the rest of my day thinking about it, and wanting to buy the soundtrack the minute the credits are over, then he is my man.