Drive, a Mr. E Movie Review

As the writer and director of such gritty films as Bronson, Valhalla Rising, and now 2011’s Drive Nicolas Winding Refn has proven he has mastered the art of dramatic silence. In that I don’t just mean quiet I mean he’s mastered the subtle ways in which to let the actors prolonged reactions tell the story. Drive has been heavily favored by critiques and moviegoers alike this week. It’s even receiving numerous promising tag lines and even some nomination talks.

Some of those acknowledgments for Drive are valid and for good reason, while others fall short.

Ryan Gosling’s stock has been on the rise since 2004’s The Notebook and this year’s Crazy Stupid Love just added to his worth. Whether he’s working as a Hollywood stunt driver or as a hired getaway driver as the lead in Drive he plays a dangerous loner with uncanny skills. But, when he begins to fall for his cute neighbor Irene, played by Carey Mulligan, and her son, played by Kaden Leos, his life changes. Then the arrival of her recently paroled husband throws a kink into the works sparking a new series of events that lead to a failed robbery and threats on everyone’s lives.

As far as the pacing of the film goes, those long drawn out silences do help to increase the cool dramatic element but in parts just drag. The storyline itself felt familiar but some of the cheesy wardrobe choices were so distracting they had me asking, “Seriously, that’s suppose to be his cool scorpion jacket?” and, “What’s up with the 1970’s driving gloves?” Even the fact that he was a stunt driver and aspiring race car driver only served the story by supporting the title.

Co-stars Brian Cranston, Albert Brooks, and Ron Pearlman all turned in veteran performances worthy of any accolades they may receive. While Gosling himself also gave an impressive performance I just think the real draw back for Drive comes in the form of story depth and unrealized character development.

With that said its not a bad movie and so I’m giving Drive a 3 out of 5 stars.