Films are a versatile art form that allows the artist to play on the audience’s senses of sight and hearing. A good film uses this to its full extent to offer the audience the most that it can. Drive fully takes advantage of both, able to evoke a strong response from those that view it carefully and critically. This film is not made for a passive and inattentive viewer, but those that are passionate about movies and the skill that goes into crafting them.

Director Nicolas Refn leaves nothing meaningless with each scene and shot serving a purpose that propels the film to an excellent quality. From the scorpion on the protagonist’s (who is simply called “Driver”) jacket to his short, direct speaking style, nothing is filler and everything adds to the story being told. Because of this incredible attention to detail, the film gains value through its rewatchability and rewards those that watch carefully.

The value of the film stems not only from its artistic approach, but also from the performance of the actors. Ryan Gosling and Bryan Cranston, in particular, successfully bring their characters to life and make their stories feel grounded. Whether it be the quiet, calm scenes or the intense moments, the characters shine through their personality and development throughout the film.

The film contains a character- driven story and lack of violence throughout, which sets it apart from modern- day mainstream films. While the advertisements portray it as high- octane experience that is notorious for its car chase scenes, Drive uses such scenes only to help the audience understand the world. They serve as mere additions to the bigger picture at play.

This bigger picture is an analysis of Driver and how he develops throughout the story. We see his struggle between his life as a competent and ruthless criminal and his aspirations for love and companionship. As with the rest of the film, this is shown through dialogue, camera work, symbolism, and music.

The soundtrack stands out in this film, comprising mostly of synthwave music. The mainly techno sounds blend with the film, perfectly setting the tone and emotion for each scene, which is often quiet with the potential for loudness.

The harmonious culmination of all these aspects produce the result of an artistic film that provokes thought in anyone willing to pay attention to them. Straying away from Hollywood clichés and popular styles, Drive proves itself to be a breath of fresh air in film and one of the more intellectual films not only in 2011, but in the past few years.

Rating‎: ‎R for strong brutal bloody violence, language and some nudity

Runtime‎: ‎1 hour 40 minutes‎