Drive

Customer Reviews

In a year in which Ryan Gosling could do no wrong from romantic comedy (Crazy, Stupid, Love) to political drama (The Ides of March) to this art house actioner--"Drive" stands as the apex of his career-changing film streak. I have, for many years, declared Gosling perhaps the best actor of his generation. Ever since he burst onto the film scene in the controversial "The Believer," Gosling has eschewed being a mainstream "star." Heck, after "The Notebook," another actor might have taken a very different career path. But Gosling, despite a couple of disappointing forays into big budget Hollywood, has remained true to his indie roots. Until now, that is. This year, he seamlessly blended indie cool with mainstream appeal. Of course, in "Drive" he found the perfect filmmaker and artistic collaborator in Danish auteur Nicolas Winding Refn. The two began a very public bromance and have already embarked on their next film project (2012's Only God Forgives). Winding Refn is an ultra-cool writer/director whose resume is populated by some of my favorite international hits, and he picked up the Cannes Best Director prize for this. If you are unfamiliar with his work, I strongly suggest you invest in "The Pusher" trilogy--a series of films exploring the underbelly of the Copenhagen drug scene.
Well that's a lot of build-up to "Drive." But here's the thing, I'm not going to elaborate very specifically on this movie. Anyone who reveals too much is doing the movie a complete disservice. It is a film that is best left to unfold at its own pace with all surprises intact. The movie makes the most of its seedy Los Angeles setting. Gosling plays an unnamed stuntman who gets a sideline job working for a crime syndicate boss, played by an uncharacteristic Albert Brooks. All I will say is that things take an unexpected turn, and Gosling morphs from a virtually silent protagonist into a stone cold nightmare. It's an exciting transformation and one that will linger with you. This is modern noir at its finest, but with a decidedly art-house vibe. It combines an edgy urban seventies sensibility with the man-with-no-name western allure. I think many expected "Drive" to be a car movie or a non-stop action picture, but it is essentially a slow-burn character driven piece about how far one man can be pushed. But make no mistake, it continues to ramp up to extreme proportions before the blood soaked finale.
The filmmaking is top-notch throughout. There is an exquisite use of light, shadows, neon shadings, and arresting street level views of Los Angeles which make the visual appearance of the film quite spectacular. The odd techno-pop soundtrack is unorthodox, to be sure, but somehow fits perfectly. The editing and camera work is assured and edgy at the same time. And the effects are brutal and unforgettable. Add to that a great cast, and "Drive" becomes a can't miss proposition. Gosling shows a different side here, but the performance everyone will talk about is served by Brooks. Brooks paints one of the most memorable villains on screen this year, completely against type, and will probably be looking at serious awards consideration. Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Ron Perlman and Christina Hendricks help round out the cast. "Drive," ultimately, may not be for everyone and that's OK. Winding Refn has put together a near perfect film for adult audiences. If you check your expectations at the door, don't read spoilers, and settle in (oh and it helps if you aren't particularly squeamish)--this is a ride well worth taking. KGHarris, 12/11.

Loved, loved, loved this movie. Contrary to what other reviewers say, the acting is excellent, especially Ryan Gosling. There is a lot communicated in the way he commands the screen in this movie, even without much dialogue. Also, reviewers have commented on the violence: I have seen more gore in other movies that were highly rated. More importantly, the violence is an essential part of the plot and is not at all gratuitous. It is clear that had the director wanted gratuitous violence he could have shown a lot more than he did.

Product Description

A Hollywood stunt performer (Ryan Gosling) who moonlights as a wheelman discovers that a contract has been put on him after a heist gone wrong.

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan
Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release year: 2011
Studio: Film District

Product Details

Synopsis: A Hollywood stunt performer (Ryan Gosling) who moonlights as a wheelman discovers that a contract has been put on him after a heist gone wrong.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan
Supporting actors: Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks
Directed by: Nicolas Winding Refn
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release year: 2011
Studio: Film District
Studio required notice: Content is protected by U.S. copyright law. Learn More.
MPAA Rating: Rated R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity.
ASIN: B006W0QOF2 (Rental) and B006W0QR1S (Purchase)
Rights ; Requirements
Rental rights: 24 hour viewing period Details
Purchase rights: Stream instantly and download to 2 locations. Details
Compatible with: Mac and Windows PC online viewing, compatible instant streaming devices, TiVo DVRs. System requirements
Format: Amazon Instant Video (streaming online video and digital download)
Also available on DVD
Drive DVD ~ Ryan Gosling
3.3 out of 5 stars(464) $14.99
Theatrical Release Information
US Theatrical Release Date: September 16, 2011
MPAA: Rated R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity.
Production Company: Bold Films, Odd Lot Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions, Motel Movies
Filming Locations: 11045 Balboa Boulevard, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA | 1710 Naomi Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA | 530 Ramirez Street, Los Angeles, California, USA | 607 South Park View Street, Los Angeles, California, USA | 8400 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge, Los Angeles, California, USA | Big 6 Market - 550 South Rampart Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA | Los Angeles River, California, USA | Los Angeles, California, USA | MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, California, USA | Picture Car Warehouse - 8400 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge, Los Angeles, California, USA | Pink Motel - 9457 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley, Los Angeles, California, USA | Point Mugu, California, USA | Santa Clarita Elks Lodge, Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, California, USA | Santa Clarita, California, USA | Vincenzo's Pizza - 11045 Balboa Boulevard, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA

Technical Details

US Theatrical Release Date: September 16, 2011
MPAA: Rated R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity.
Production Company: Bold Films, Odd Lot Entertainment, Marc Platt Productions, Motel Movies
Filming Locations: 11045 Balboa Boulevard, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA | 1710 Naomi Avenue, Los Angeles, California, USA | 530 Ramirez Street, Los Angeles, California, USA | 607 South Park View Street, Los Angeles, California, USA | 8400 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge, Los Angeles, California, USA | Big 6 Market - 550 South Rampart Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA | Los Angeles River, California, USA | Los Angeles, California, USA | MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, California, USA | Picture Car Warehouse - 8400 Reseda Boulevard, Northridge, Los Angeles, California, USA | Pink Motel - 9457 San Fernando Road, Sun Valley, Los Angeles, California, USA | Point Mugu, California, USA | Santa Clarita Elks Lodge, Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita, California, USA | Santa Clarita, California, USA | Vincenzo's Pizza - 11045 Balboa Boulevard, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, California, USA