No 2 - Drive (18)

Dir: Nicolas Winding Refn

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston

From when I first saw THAT lift scene at Big Screen, Empires annual film festival, I wanted to see this film.  Four months later I finally got the chance.  The film tells the story of “the Driver” (Ryan Gosling) who works part time as a stunt driver for movies and part time as a getaway driver for criminals.  He meets Irene (Carey Mulligan) who lives in the same apartment as him, they share an instant attraction to one another which is short lived as Irene’s husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac) is released from Jail.  Standard is a decent enough fellow who regrets what he’s done but in order to truly move on he is forced to rob a jewellery store for the man who helped him be protected whilst he was in jail.  The Driver agrees to help out, if only for Irene and her sons sake.  As you can tell things do not go to plan and our protagonist and those he cares for lives become endangered. 

It may seem a pretty standard plot (no pun intended!), but what makes this stand out from the others is that it oozes coolness and style.  Our hero says little yet the audience are still drawn to him and develop an affinity with him, which says a lot about Goslings acting ability.  It also tells you when he does speak, you should listen.

                Before seeing the film I had also heard a lot of praise for the soundtrack, it is definitely worth it.  The film has an 80s feel to it and most of the songs add to this with their electronic style.  My favourite song from the film is undeniably “Oh My Love” by Riz Ortolani feat. Katyna Ranieri and thought it was used beautifully in the film.  Another reason this is number 2 in my list is that when I went to see it the most annoying group of people I’ve ever had the misfortune to share a screen with were there too and yet I still managed to enjoy the film.