Unlike the blockbuster fast-car-plus-action plot, Drive – directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and winner of Best Director at this year’s Cannes Film Festival – takes on an unconventional approach of story telling. The absence of typical ‘jumpy’and ‘speedy’ shot shows the director’s ambition to create a unique cinematic and visual experience; focusing on the story line and characters, the pace and tension goes way beyond the superficial.


Adapted from a novel of the same title, main character Driver (Ryan Gosling) is a Hollywood stuntman by day and criminal driver by night. His skill facilitates criminals to make necessary quick exit. Driver eventually finds himself involved in a conflict between the gangs and is forced to go on the run to protect his love interest Irene (Carey Mulligan).

Danish film director Nicolas Winding Refn challenges the convention of this genre by choosing not to dwell on the action, but instead the emotions and internal world of each character. With neon light of the city as the backdrop, the film contrasts the loneliness of the characters with violence of the fundamental kind. Cliff Martinez – former Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer and regular collaborator of Steven Soderbergh – is responsible for the soundtrack. Its Eighties European electro sound leads the audience deeper to the dark world.

Text: Vincent Lau | Translation: dilettante

Photo Courtesy: Golden Scene Co. Ltd.



DRIVE

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Cast: Ryan Gosling、Carey Mulligan

Release Date: 10 Nov 2011
drive-movie.com