Drive - short film review by Julie Clarke

Drive poster: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drive_%282011_film%29

Sometimes silence just happens. Sometimes silence is necessary and sometimes silence, the kind of silence associated with a lack of spoken words has a way of gripping you by the throat and not letting go. The silent space that exists for much of the time between the two primary protagonists ~ the Driver (Ryan Gosling) and Irene (Carey Mulligan) his female neighbor  in the film Drive (Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011) is like that, however it is not just a device used by the director as a way of offering repose between the ethereal electronic score composed by Cliff Martinez; the song lyrics of which afford a particular ambiance, or the sounds generated by high-speed car chases, here, silence is full of depth of feeling and meaning between the couple who, at least on the surface are strong, silent types who acquiesce to each other. And, it is this quiet intensity they share through looks and gesture that is mesmerizing to the point that we think we see a sexual attraction, but understand that within the confines of the narrative the  glances they exchange are seductive and sensual rather than anything else. Indeed, at no point in this film  punctuated throughout by strong, graphic violence is there a hint of a sexual act. However, that doesn't mean there is no passion, there is, for passion that cannot or will not be displayed through sexuality is displayed in this film through bloody, horrific encounters. Did I say there was no sexuality? Well, yes, but there is a scene of voluptuous naked women in a dressing room at a nightclub, but the sexuality virtually stops there.  Described as a crime drama about a Hollywood stunt driver who has a contract put out on him after a heist goes wrong, the narrative is certainly more than this, and for me the most significant aspect, other than the absolutely superb acting on the part of the protagonists is the fact that love, a particular kind of love, one that has more to do with ethics, responsibility and caring, rather than the sexual act is highlighted at the beginning of the film in the way that the Driver interacts with Benicio (Kaden Leos), Irene's young son and later when he becomes involved in attempting to protect her and her son as well as her recently released from jail husband who is severely bashed by thugs who he owes money to. This film has got to be considered a contemporary masterpiece in that it manages to beautifully balance calm and chaos, silence and sound, love and bloody slaughter. I would highly recommend this film.