Now, for the good stuff. Ultimately Drive utilizes cinema as art, which is why some viewers may find it to be slow. So I will caution those of you who simply enjoy popcorn flicks: avoid this film. If you are a fan of Transformers I will recommend you stop reading at this point. This is a film for the patient few, who if they can muster it, are in for quite a treat. Ultimately, Drive is a love story. Yes, that's right, a love story. While it certainly is a more gritty and rough story than most, the fact remains that at it's core-it is a tale of love, one that is portrayed well by it's two leads.
Ryan Gosling is handsome as ever as a man we can only call 'Driver' for lack of anything else. He channels a charm and rage, balancing the two with skill. His character is an enigma, and is brilliant to watch. His blunt approach and endearing looks would seem to have chemistry with almost anyone, but once we are introduced to the cute and seemingly porcelain Carey Mulligan, who must try to keep from shattering in a world of loss, sparks truly fly. Performances from Albert Brooks and Bryan Cranston are also spectacular, unveiling the truths about motive and greed.
This is a film which will require you to have all senses attuned, and mind running full throttle. Imagery, symbolism, and allegory, everything you used to hate in grade school English-class has been adapted and stylized to film in order to reward the more careful viewers in the audience. For those of you patient viewers, it has finally paid off, and Nicolas Winding Refn has crafted a masterpiece of film.
