Fast cars, sexy

Drive, Issue 3, Kaitlin Cassidy, Movie Review, Ryan Gosling, Entertainment - By Kaitlin Cassidy on Thursday, September 22, 2011 - 00:47

Undoubtedly one of the most refreshing films of the year Drive, will sweep you away. The film is based on James Sallis’ book, which shares the title. The story is centered on a Hollywood stunt driver who makes money on the side for local thugs. Always calm under pressure, Ryan Gosling’s character is the perfect get-away driver. However, things change when Gosling meets another tenant in his apartment building, Irene played by Carey Mulligan. Irene is a single mother who begins a friendship with Gosling while her husband is in prison.

When Irene’s husband returns, a local gang is after him due to the money he owes them for the “protection” they provided while he was in prison. Gosling’s character becomes so concerned for Irene and her son’s safety that he agrees to help her husband in a pawnshop heist.

However, during the heist things go wrong and Gosling is left to deal with the consequences.
Two particular interesting aspects of the film are the soundtrack and the city of Los Angeles. The soundtrack is unexpected. It has a blend of synthesizer, pop, dance and a retro-80s music vibe, giving a different tonal experience.

Also the lyrics sometimes give a mental insight into what Gosling’s character is feeling, making it an unusual way to learn about the lead character. The location of the film is Echo Park, a neighborhood of Los Angeles. The city streets and nightline of Downtown provide an ambiance that allows depth to the visual storytelling process. Los Angeles has never looked so beautiful.

Drive is a contemporary noir film, rejuvenating the genre and giving it a face lift. Gosling shines as the lead and is gorgeous on camera against the city backdrop. The film is so much more than one would expect when you sit in the theatre. This movie will not disappoint.

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