Film Review: "Drive"

Films must never lose the attention of the audience. Many times, filmmakers take the easy route and fill up a specific movie with acts of violence and rapid-fire car chases. While these concepts can be intriguing to viewers, I see them as a way to make-up for a hastily written storyline and poorly-created characters. When observing a film, I expect significant passion from the performers as well as a cleverly-written story that evokes significant human emotion. Henceforth, I was a tad weary before watching this past September’s action-thriller “Drive;” as I feared that there wouldn’t be a completely thought-out story and eager performances; on account that it featured high-speed car chases and violence. Luckily, however, I was happy to see that Screenwriter Hossein Amini wrote a film that is rich in human emotion, intriguing characters, and unexpected surprises. What’s more, lead actor Ryan Gosling offers a keen performance that ultimately allows viewers to sympathize with him. What’s more, it was great to see Albert Brooks, who usually partakes in comedies and has been known voicing characters in animated films like 2003’s “Finding Nemo” and 1998’s “Dr. Dolittle,” takes on a role that leaves audiences in a state of complete shock. With these performances as well as a very suspenseful storyline, "Drive" proves to be quite memorable. Henceforth, I can sincerely say:

“Drive” is an Exciting Film that is Rich in Action and Passion!

In Director Nicolas Winding Refn’s thriller, we meet a multifaceted driver, grippingly portrayed by Ryan Gosling, who works as a getaway chauffeur for criminals; who, for a price, would always wait five minutes for a certain crime to be pulled and then drive away During the day, Gosling’s character works at a garage owned by Shannon, played keenly by Bryan Cranston, who also sets up all of his daily gigs. After shooting a movie scene, Gosling’s driver goes to a grocery store to do some quick shopping. Afterwards, he sees his neighbor Irene, a single mother calmly played by Carey Mulligan, struggle with her car in the parking lot. After giving Irene and her son Benicio, played by Kaden Leos, a ride home, they start talking; and it’s obvious that Gosling’s character is starting to take a liking to her—even though he finds out that her husband is locked away in prison. Meanwhile, Bryan Cranston’s Shannon has lunch with Bernie Rose; a former movie producer-turned mobster—played cunningly by Albert Brooks. Shannon asks the mobster for $400,000 so he could buy a stock car that Gosling’s Driver could use in a NASCAR race. Albert Brooks’ Bernie Rose is doubtful of the idea, as is his burly associate Nino—played aggressively by Ron Perlman. However, after seeing Gosling’s Driver in action during a race, Albert Brooks’ Bernie Rose accepts the deal and introduces himself to the stuntman.

Image of Ryan Gosling as The Driver taken from http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoTGtQDBPlhgA2q.JzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cnMybzJvBHNsawNpbWc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3D%2522Drive%2522%2B%252B%2B%2522Ryan%2BGosling%2522%26ei%3DUTF-8%26fr%3Dyfp-t-374%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D20&w=500&h=333&imgurl=0.tqn.com%2Fd%2Fmovies%2F1%2F0%2F5%2FY%2FX%2Fdrive-photo-ryan-gosling.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmovies.about.com%2Fod%2Fdrive%2Fig%2FDrive-Photos%2FRyan-Gosling.htm&size=23.8+KB&name=Drive+Movie+Synopsis%3A+Ryan+Gosling+stars+as+a+Los+Angeles+wheelman+for+hire%2C+stunt+driving+for+movie&p=%22Drive%22+%2B+%22Ryan+Gosling%22&oid=f0fde10abbcc5d9ce9f553de9f0b4c16&fr2=&fr=yfp-t-374&tt=Drive%2BMovie%2BSynopsis%253A%2BRyan%2BGosling%2Bstars%2Bas%2Ba%2BLos%2BAngeles%2Bwheelman%2Bfor%2Bhire%252C%2Bstunt%2Bdriving%2Bfor%2Bmovie&b=0&ni=21&no=20&tab=organic&ts=&sigr=121h4c65d&sigb=13pku6utp&sigi=11ptakgij&.crumb=h7WuQq.Tdu/

As time goes on, Gosling’s Driver starts to form a meaningful friendship with Carey Mulligan’s Irene and starts to get along well with Kaden Leos’ Benicio. However, Irene’s husband Standard, played by Oscar Isaac, is released from prison and wants to get back together with his family. Sometime later, however, Gosling’s character finds Standard beaten and bleeding outside in the hallway of the apartment where they live. It turns out that Irene’s husband owes money to a gangster named Cook, portrayed by James Biberi, who, will come after Irene and her son if Oscar Isaac’s character fails to rob a pawn shop. Wanting to protect the woman he adores, Gosling’s character offers to drive Standard to the pawn shop; but unfortunately, the heist goes terribly wrong; and Gosling’s Driver finds himself in more trouble than he ever expected. And as the film unfolds, it is great to see a significant amount of suspense and emotion present throughout its duration.

As you watch “Drive;” it is interesting to see how a majority of the cast’s performances are fueled by genuine dedication. Ryan Gosling gives an unwavering performance as his character; one that keeps the audience's full attention. When Ryan Gosling’s Driver falls in love with Carey Mulligan’s Irene, it is more-than-evident that he wants to be with her and remain completely loyal. As Oscar Isaac’s Standard has been away in prison, it is evident that he is incapable of being trusted. And this is confirmed when Gosling’s Driver finds out about Standard’s wrongdoings; and now, the lives of Irene and Kaden Leos’ Benicio are at risk. Thus, the only reason he accompanies Standard on his mission is to ensure the safety of Irene and Kaden Leos’ Benicio. And when t their lives are in further jeopardy following the heist, Gosling’s alter ego will do whatever he can to guarantee their protection.

And this is when Ryan Gosling gets to further enhance his performance as the Driver. He knows twhen it’s revealed that Ron Perlman’s Nino was behind the entire robbery, Ryan Gosling’s Driver knows that he has to set everything right. The only reason he takes any drastic action is that he wants to protect the lives of Carey Mulligan’s Irene and Kaden Leos’ Benicio. He wants to protect them; henceforth, he knows that he has to do whatever he could to do so. And throughout it all, Ryan Gosling’s commitment to his role never misses a beat; and he manages to keep the audience’s attention throughout the film. He enables his character to appear completely real; and he never strays from his steadfast performance. His acting works well with the gritty tone of the film; and he’s able to pull off the intensity of Hossein Amini’s screenplay. In other words, Ryan Gosling is a first-rate lead actor; thanks to his passionate performance.

While Ryan Gosling’s passionate act throughout the filmis very noteworthy, it is also important to mention Albert Brooks' strong performance as former movie producer Bernie Rose. When we meet Brooks’ character, he treats Bryan Cranston’s Shannon with disrespect; as he’s initially not interested in loaning the latter money to buy a car for Ryan Gosling’s character to drive in NASCAR races. Albert Brooks’ character speaks in an impatient manner; as he doesn’t want to lose a large sum of money in making a possibly poor manner. While it seems that his on-screen persona is just a tad argumentative, we later observe the sheer immorality of Albert Brooks' Bernie Rose.

After learning of the failed bank heist, Brooks' character, despite remaining in a non-overstated manner, emerges as a truly hostile personality. Because of this, the audience sits on the edge of their seats expect the worst for Ryan Gosling’s Driver as well as anyone else Albert Brooks’ Bernie Rose plans to go after. The actor displays significant keenness when portraying Bernie Rose; as he enables his character to appear aggressive-- even when maintaining a reserved presence. His entire performance is impeccable; and it’s great to see him assume a role that is the complete opposite of those he had played in the past; such as Jerry Peyser; the anxious podiatrist he portrayed in 2003’s “The In-Laws.” Watching Albert Brooks' character in the later portion of the film proves just how versatile he is as an actor. The amount of fervor present in the actor's portrayal of Bernie Rose keeps you attention; thus enabling Albert Brooks turn in one of the year's best performances.

Image of Albert Brooks as Bernie Rose taken from http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0PDoX5gQTBPvSQAACCJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTA3cnMybzJvBHNsawNpbWc-?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3D%2522Drive%2522%2B%252B%2B%2522Albert%2BBrooks%2522%26n%3D30%26ei%3Dutf-8%26fr%3Dyfp-t-374%26tab%3Dorganic%26ri%3D1&w=4256&h=2832&imgurl=collider.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FAlbert-Brooks-Drive-movie-image.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fcollider.com%2Falbert-brooks-drive-defending-your-life-interview%2F123067%2F&size=3.9+KB&name=Albert+Brooks+Talks+DRIVE%2C+TAXI+DRIVER%2C+Improvising%2C+Future+Projects+...&p=%22Drive%22+%2B+%22Albert+Brooks%22&oid=f18b8012fcb177b5e3b8e11c9169bd54&fr2=&fr=yfp-t-374&tt=Albert%2BBrooks%2BTalks%2BDRIVE%252C%2BTAXI%2BDRIVER%252C%2BImprovising%252C%2BFuture%2BProjects%2B...&b=0&ni=72&no=1&tab=organic&ts=&sigr=12dag5meh&sigb=13ul213pt&sigi=123itbp2v&.crumb=h7WuQq.Tdu/

Along with Gosling and Brooks, other performers in “Drive” deliver acts that evoke true dedication. As Nino, Ron Perlman employs sheer forcefulness that allows his alter ego to appear intimidating whenever he’s on screen. The rough banter he shares with Albert Brooks’ Bernie Rose is enthralling; as both characters are capable of unleashing harm upon someone who wronged them. In addition, Bryan Cranston stirs up a range of emotion when portraying Shannon; as one moment he can appear calm and collected—and the next he’s begging for amnesty. What’s more, the actor does a fine job enabling his character to appear as both a traitor and protector to Ryan Gosling’s Driver; and in do so, viewers can question whether or not Shannon genuine loyalty. Thus, the audience foresees Bryan Cranston’s character to receive retribution for his actions. Henceforth, Gosling, Brooks, Perlman, and Cranston all offer riveting performances that cause the audience to hang on to their every word; not wanting to miss a moment of the action.

Unfortunately, I will say that not everyone in “Drive” delivers an enthralling performance when portraying their designated characters. For instance, Oscar Isaac’s Standard and James Birberi’s Cook both appear undersized; as it seemed that their purpose was to help move the story along. In addition, I felt that Carey Mulligan hardly bestowed true dedication when portraying Irene; as her overall performance seemed to lack significant raw human emotion. I truly wish she would have turned in a more memorable performance as Irene; as she could have done a much better job portraying her character.

Nevertheless, it has to be said that “Drive” offers great performances that evoke true human emotion. And thanks to screenwriter Hossein Amini, Ryan Gosling’s Driver and Albert Brooks’ Bernie Rose are profound; enabling the two performers to personify the film’s great characters. Every moment they are on the screen, the ambiance evokes true suspense; as you don’t know what awaits these two characters in the near future. And when you watch the characters’ confrontation, all the anticipation has lead to the film’s most engrossing sequence. You heavily speculate what their fates will eventually be; and thanks to the actors’ performances and the screenwriting, as well as Nicolas Winding Refn’s direction, the audience observes a justly absorbing get-together. You might say that this interaction is the ultimate destination for this riveting “Drive.”

Thus, “Drive” completely demonstrates how extremely passionate performances can make an action-thriller an emotional experience. And thanks to the unwavering performance by Ryan Gosling, we are treated to a protagonist that will do whatever he can to ensure the safety of those he cares about. And even though “Drive” didn’t get nominated for any Academy Awards, I’d say it’s a true champion for entertaining audiences with an enthralling story and passionate performances.

E-mail me at thatsnatertainment@gmx.com