Brooding, atmospheric and just plain gorgeous, Drive was definitely one of my favourite films of 2011 and I was completely at a loss as to why it wasn't nominated for anything at the Oscars.
From the intense opening car chase swiftly followed by the achingly cool opening credits, I was hooked - and Drive sure as hell starts as it means to go on.
With beautiful cinematography and a brilliant electro Europop soundtrack to boot, Nicolas Winding Refn has expertly crafted a slick 80s-inspired hyper-violent thriller that is simultaneously stylish and at times, horrifically graphic. Ryan Gosling's character of few words, known only as 'Driver', is one shrouded in mystery; there is much use of shadow in the film, suggesting that there is potentially (and we eventually find that there definitely is) something very dark lurking beneath what appears to be a quiet exterior.
One of Refn's inspirations/influences for the movie was Kenneth Anger's Scorpio Rising, and is referenced by Driver's white satin jacket which becomes increasingly blood stained over time, charting the film's disturbing development into bloody, revenge-fuelled hyper-violence.
I think the elevator scene has quickly become one of my favourite film sequences ever; the combination of music, slow motion and the change in lighting... perfection? And all without having to use one single word. Without a shadow of a doubt the best movie kiss I've seen in a long, long time. If you just discount the horrifying event that takes place directly after it...
I cannot wait for this to come out on DVD so I can watch it again
- every time I listen to the soundtrack I get cravings for it. Whilst it may not be for everyone, there is no denying that Drive is an exceptionally well made film that not only looks incredible, but also provides further justification for why every woman should be madly in love with Ryan Gosling.
