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The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

Independent Student Newspaper Since 1969

The Badger Herald

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Action-packed ‘Drive’ one hell of a good ride

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Ryan Gosling plays a stunt driver by day, getaway man by night in director Nicolas Winding Refn\’s recently released film.[/media-credit]

“Drive,” based on the book by James Sallis and directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is a well put-together film that keeps viewers on their toes throughout the entire wild ride.

Driver (Ryan Gosling, “Crazy, Stupid, Love”) is a Los Angeles movie stunt driver by day, and a for-hire getaway driver by night. With his own set of rules and 100,000 streets known by heart, he helps robbers escape into the night. After meeting Irene (Carey Mulligan, “Pride and Prejudice”), her son Benicio (newcomer Kaden Leos) and Benicio’s father, Standard (Oscar Issac, “Body of Lies”), who has recently returned from jail with a hefty protection debt to pay and main villains Bernie (Albert Brooks, “Finding Nemo”), and Nino (Ron Perlman, “Hellboy”), Driver finds himself in a dangerous dilemma.

Wanting Irene’s family to live happily and safely, he offers to be a getaway driver for Standard so he can pay off his debt. However, the robbery goes awry, and Driver finds himself, Irene and her son in danger. The once-mysterious character changes up his game – breaking all his rules – to ensure their safety.

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The most suspenseful scene occurs as Driver maneuvers through the dark streets of L.A. early on in the film. Although this chase scene seems to go on forever, it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

When it comes to the R- rating, please take caution. Only one scene includes nudity, but it is long, and the camera does not shy away. The f-bomb is thrown around like a hot potato, as well as a few other blasphemies. While the language adds to the dark, mobster-like feel of the movie, it sometimes comes off as excessive.

As for violence, this movie is in no way meant for the faint of heart. The film contains very dark and gruesome material. Each murder gets increasingly more bloody and up front. Heads blown to bits and vicious stabbings are just a few of the scenes that make “Drive” an extremely convincing yet unexpected bloodbath, showcasing the true talent of the visuals team behind the scenes.

“Drive” has one of the most unique and refreshing soundtracks for a movie of its kind. The lack of mainstream sound gives it a hip ’80s retro-vibe. Each song plays a crucial role in scenes that lack dialogue, helping to intensify the emotions on the characters’ faces and getting across the message of that moment.

In one scene, Driver is presented in a much different light than previously in the movie. Carrying Benicio back to his mother’s apartment, one of the tracks says “A real human, and a real hero.” This is the first time we see Gosling’s character as a compassionate being, and the soundtrack relays this quite efficiently.

The acting doesn’t stop short either. Gosling has always been an incredible performer, and his role as Driver continues to reflect this. Given a character who says so little but must convey so much through actions and mere facial expressions, he intrigues the audience opening a gateway into Driver’s mind.

The moments of pure silence in the film are truly some of the best. Gosling’s ability to go from a merciless killing machine to a sympathetic guy who cares deeply for a young boy and his mother is effortless and deserves a serious round of applause.

Irene, also given very little to go off of, remains slightly underdeveloped. Her acting does not always reveal how she feels about certain predicaments she finds herself in, but nonetheless her scenes with Gosling are pure and reminiscent of a grade school crush. Gosling’s developed character is incredibly well-played and backed by a fresh and fitting soundtrack that takes the movie to new heights.

Although the violence comprises straightforward, in-your-face blood and guts, it ties in with the mobster feel of the film. “Drive” contains all the elements that make its genre entertaining to watch and is a truly unique experience.

4 out of 5 stars

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