Drive

Review:

From the maker of vivid, haunting and enthralling films such as Valhalla Rising and Bronson comes the award-winning, Drive. With direction full of sophistication; an electrifying soundtrack and a terrific ensemble cast; this is a film you cannot miss.

The nameless protagonist (Gosling) is an exacting stunt performer, mechanic and getaway driver whose cunning and caring personalities merge once the lives of his sweet-natured neighbours (Mulligan and Isaac) come under jeopardy from ruthless gangsters (Perlman and Brooks).

For a story that plays out like regular run-of-the-mill Hollywood movie, it contains an infusion of fantastic style and substance...not to mention, an awesome jacket. Everything about the film appears to have been finely moulded for cinema in its purest form. Depiction of sanguine violence, the rogue figure and a man-on-a-mission, will no doubt make the film a cult classic as it has done to similar films such as Taxi Driver and Oldboy. The rendering of time and action are beautifully crafted - sudden gun-shots, roaring engines and tyres screeching are explosively interspersed with elements of romance and fairytale.

Ryan Gosling continues with his ascent to cinematic stardom (note: Ides of March in Week 7) shining amongst his fellow cast members. He is joined by a top cast of actors playing wonderfully charismatic and erratic characters (Albert Brooks stabbing a man with a fork must be a first in cinema). As much as Refn steers the film in the perfect direction (puns intended), it really is an ensemble piece which has all the right elements.

Another triumph for Refn who has created a very cool film that will linger in your mind long after its run time.

Piers McCarthy