Drive

In recent years, Ryan Gosling has proven that he is a great actor and Drive is no different. A thrillingly brutal drama about a daytime stunt driver who moonlights as a wheelman who seemingly has nothing really to live for.

Ryan Gosling makes the movie and literally becomes the Driver. The violent acts he commits, while stylized, are very well done. Gosling's lack of emotion is what makes his performance believeable. Only slight tics of emotion are shown aside from his aggression, which makes him an anti-hero of sorts. Every move he makes is precise and articulated beautifully. Armed with a hammer, his boots, gloves, and most importantly his car, the Driver has all the tools he needs to take care of what needs to be done.

The acting all around is incredible. Carey Mulligan definitely should have been utilized more because whenever she was on screen with Gosling we got a bit more emotion, making the Driver seem more human. Aside from that she was perfect for this role. Innocent beauty at its' finest. Bryan Cranston pulls a 180 from his character on Breaking Bad and is not tough, but rather a weak little man trying to work his way up in the world. The supporting acting was great, but Gosling steals the show, not that he really has to steal it since the whole film revolves around him. Every little thing he does has a purpose.

A nameless main character always makes a huge impression on the audience. It makes the character seem like more than just a person, but a symbol and the Driver is a great example. The choice to have silence and minimal dialogue throughout adds to the persona of the nameless anti-hero. Just as in The Dark Knight silence adds an eerie effect in Drive. Many movies of this genre include far too much dialogue which ends up getting repetitive and boring so the lack of dialogue was refreshing.

The brutality the Driver uses when fighting is outstanding. The most memorable and arguably one of the most brutal scenes occurs in an elevator directly after one of the most tender moments of the movie. The Driver is an enigma that is sure to bring many homemade sewn on scorpion patch jackets to Halloween this year.

Hands down one of the best movies of the year!

9/10