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Drive

  • 2011
  • R
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
737K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
576
65
Ryan Gosling in Drive (2011)
A Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a wheelman discovers that a contract has been put on him after a heist gone wrong.
Play trailer2:33
30 Videos
99+ Photos
Car ActionOne-Person Army ActionActionDrama

A mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.A mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.A mysterious Hollywood action film stuntman gets in trouble with gangsters when he tries to help his neighbor's husband rob a pawn shop while serving as his getaway driver.

  • Director
    • Nicolas Winding Refn
  • Writers
    • Hossein Amini
    • James Sallis
  • Stars
    • Ryan Gosling
    • Carey Mulligan
    • Bryan Cranston
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.8/10
    737K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    576
    65
    • Director
      • Nicolas Winding Refn
    • Writers
      • Hossein Amini
      • James Sallis
    • Stars
      • Ryan Gosling
      • Carey Mulligan
      • Bryan Cranston
    • 1.8KUser reviews
    • 745Critic reviews
    • 79Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 1 Oscar
      • 79 wins & 180 nominations total

    Videos30

    Drive
    Trailer 2:33
    Drive
    5 Top-Rated Ryan Gosling Movies to Watch
    Clip 0:59
    5 Top-Rated Ryan Gosling Movies to Watch
    5 Top-Rated Ryan Gosling Movies to Watch
    Clip 0:59
    5 Top-Rated Ryan Gosling Movies to Watch
    'Drive' | Anniversary Mashup
    Clip 1:23
    'Drive' | Anniversary Mashup
    The Most Popular Car in California
    Clip 0:43
    The Most Popular Car in California
    "Elevator"
    Clip 0:51
    "Elevator"
    "I Was Gonna Call the Cops"
    Clip 0:42
    "I Was Gonna Call the Cops"

    Photos785

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    + 779
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    Top cast37

    Edit
    Ryan Gosling
    Ryan Gosling
    • Driver
    Carey Mulligan
    Carey Mulligan
    • Irene
    Bryan Cranston
    Bryan Cranston
    • Shannon
    Albert Brooks
    Albert Brooks
    • Bernie Rose
    Oscar Isaac
    Oscar Isaac
    • Standard
    Christina Hendricks
    Christina Hendricks
    • Blanche
    Ron Perlman
    Ron Perlman
    • Nino
    Kaden Leos
    • Benicio
    Jeff Wolfe
    Jeff Wolfe
    • Tan Suit
    James Biberi
    James Biberi
    • Cook
    Russ Tamblyn
    Russ Tamblyn
    • Doc
    Joe Bucaro III
    Joe Bucaro III
    • Chauffeur
    • (as Joey Bucaro)
    Tiara Parker
    Tiara Parker
    • Young Woman
    Tim Trella
    Tim Trella
    • Hitman #1
    Jimmy Hart
    Jimmy Hart
    • Hitman #2
    Tina Huang
    Tina Huang
    • Waitress
    Andy San Dimas
    Andy San Dimas
    • Stripper
    John Pyper-Ferguson
    John Pyper-Ferguson
    • Bearded Redneck
    • Director
      • Nicolas Winding Refn
    • Writers
      • Hossein Amini
      • James Sallis
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1.8K

    7.8736.6K
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    Featured reviews

    8kgprophet

    Great use of Subtlety

    It would be difficult to write about parts of the storyline in this film, because many expectations change when the consequences of one event folds upon another. A terrific original screenplay defies Hollywood conventions of over-the-top plot convolutions and unrealistic twists. Sure, there are a couple coincidences, but there are many rewards for keeping the story simplified and enhance the characters' arcs. The director borrows heavily from Michael Mann in painting a cool atmosphere with glistening city lights at night and a throbbing synthesiser soundtrack. The film elevates itself above any other similar film in it's drama, perhaps better than the character rich film "The Town" from 2010. The editing emphasises the main character's withdrawn persona, hiding his emotions (indirectly hinting at his criminal past) while romancing his neighbour. Moments in conversation where a 'normal' person would express their feelings or be more extroverted, are instead tension filled passages of silence that speak louder than words. With great use of subtlety, the film does wonders in terms of depicting the main character's withdrawn mental state, but still visualising his thoughts and intentions without direct exposition.

    Another accolade must be given to actor Ryan Gosling in the lead role. We the audience must invest time into this character, which the film keeps in the first person narrative, most activities outside of his knowledge are outside of ours. He must show realistic reactions to danger, even though his past is never quite explained. The right emphasis is given to revealing moments of his capabilities, so when he is set in harm's way, we believe he can stand up to the test. The rest of the cast is well heeled in talent, allowing the sense of naturalism to provide the tone. As you may notice in critical reviews, when a film exposes no obvious weaknesses, the positive rating goes up. I myself am having a hard time exposing any weakness in this film, I felt I was in good hands, and was not annoyed by any plot contrivances. I happen to be a fan of Michael Mann, as must the director of this film, and the right homage elements work for me. I think of this perhaps of the antithesis of "Fast & Furious". One of the best films I have seen this year, could even get an Oscar nod with the screenplay or editing.
    colinrgeorge

    Intelligent Adrenaline

    After a summer of cheap thrills, Drive delivers thrills on the cheap. With a budget Michael Bay might have allocated for a single effects sequence in Transformers 3, Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn made one of the best movies of the year. Following Bronson and Valhalla Rising, Refn crafts his most polished, commercial work yet, while retaining all the ambiguity and unbridled aggression of his tough-as-nails art house pictures.

    Bearing thematic resemblance to Darren Aronofsky's recent output, Drive is like Black Swan in overdrive. The film pins its headlights on the dark implications of unchecked obsession and good intentions gone haywire. That dangerous duality – humanity on the razor's edge of animal brutality – is played to unnerving perfection by Ryan Gosling.

    Rightly among the most reliable names on the Hollywood marquee, the star of Drive plays a crucible of a character. A friendly, fatherly figure to his neighbor (Carey Mulligan) and her young son, he's decidedly less so when the two are threatened. A sort of oblique, ultraviolent superhero, the driver leaps to defend the innocent with bloody determination. If the first half of Drive plays as drama, the second is straight up revenge fare.

    Playing on the juxtaposition of calm and calamity, Refn keeps us on our toes throughout. Quiet moments stretch into suffocating silence, and the explosive violence that inevitably shatters it practically tears the frame in half. The audio is expertly mixed; you'll want to see Drive loud. From its roaring engines and visceral blows to its curt dialogue, the film is an altar to the power of great sound design.

    In truth, Drive isn't pervasively violent, though its most excruciatingly effective moments leave a memory trail like tire streaks on a sunbaked highway. At the heart of the story is a compelling, surprisingly tender romance. Carey Mulligan has proved herself a similarly reliable talent to Gosling, and has worked in recent years with the likes of Michael Mann, Oliver Stone, and Mark Romanek.

    Her fragile character's relationship with the driver is subtle and nuanced in a manner atypical of thriller convention. They're not family, they're not even sleeping together. Drive is not a sexy film. Refn fetishizes neither cars nor women; if The Fast and the Furious is the sleek exterior curves of an automobile, Drive is the greasy, undulating pistons. And it's utilitarian at a lean 100 minutes.

    The rest of the small cast also impresses. Albert Brooks plays against type as a cutthroat crime lord, and a note-perfect Ron Perlman plays his meathead partner. Bryan Cranston of TV's Breaking Bad has a small role too, as employer and confidant to Gosling's character. Their relationships shuffle as lines are drawn and redrawn, but none of them comes away unscathed by the film's end.

    Drive is either the explosive end to a lukewarm summer movie season or an early autumn adrenaline rush. In machismo, it far outpaces its hundred million dollar competition, leaving overwrought tales of lesser heroes like Thor and Green Lantern in the dust. Its troubled characters, and the bonds of desperation that link them, elevate the film above its genre trappings and shield it from disposable entertainment status.

    Nicolas Winding Refn's Drive is an anomaly. It's like a 1200 horsepower hybrid. And it's one of the best movies of 2011.
    9doncraw

    Film Noir meets Hammer Hardened Hero Maker meets Gangster Heavy Metal

    Ryan Gosling brings down the hammer on that line where logic reason and self preservation become secondary to protecting what is important to you. There are a few moments where he doesn't just cross that line but obliterates it completely.

    Beautifully crafted pounding action thriller with twisted humor and seriously hard core violence. Compelling tenderness from characters that are unsophisticated in the best sense of the word.

    This film will go down as one of the best Action films in decades. Car chases that rival and extend beyond Bullitt and French Connection. Violence that bursts out of the screen like a horror film or a bad dream by David Cronenberg. Passing moments of tenderness that are drawn out until you are slowly pulled into the emotional world of the protagonists.

    Something so powerful, especially when it works, is the use of sharp and dramatic Camera Angles in Drive that mirror the emotional moment of the story drawing you into the characters world.

    View and angles often extremely low angled and tilted sharply upward, effective at expanding the feeling of voyeurism of being at the dinner table or in the adjacent seat, right in the room with the characters while safely looking up from some shadow or nook or cranny. Very emotionally transcendent cinematography.

    Night footage was amazingly successful at capturing the range of light and shadows, on a technical level the audio and video were strong and assured. Not only the first robbery but all the way through the film right up to the final resolution of the plot, the night was a familiar environment for major turns in the story (pun intended).

    I will return hopefully soon to expand on this review, but I had to write something tonight because this film is ten times more badass than any Transporter or Fast and Furious fare that is usually sold in their all too obvious packaging.

    Drive leaves them all in the Dust.

    This filmed was viewed on the Big Screen at the LAFILMFEST screening June 17th 2011
    9chiragrathod09

    "An Exhilarating Journey Of Nameless Driver Through the Open Road"

    "Drive" is a mesmerizing film that perfectly blends stylish visuals, a haunting soundtrack, and a gripping narrative to create an experience unlike any other. From the moment the opening credits roll, the film immerses you in a world of neon lights and pulsating energy that evokes a sense of nostalgia while keeping you on the edge of your seat.

    The story follows an unnamed protagonist, played brilliantly by Ryan Gosling, who works as a stunt driver by day and a getaway driver by night. His life takes a thrilling turn as he gets involved with his beautiful neighbor, Irene, played by Carey Mulligan, and her troubled husband. The film masterfully combines elements of romance, action, and noir, captivating audiences with its emotional depth and organic character development.

    One of the standout features of "Drive" is its unique pacing. The film takes its time, allowing tension to simmer before erupting into moments of breathtaking action. The minimalist dialogue further enhances the mood, drawing attention to the protagonist's internal struggles and emotions. The carefully crafted scenes of silence, punctuated by bursts of violence, create a hauntingly beautiful balance that keeps viewers entranced.

    "Drive" is a work of art. Refn's direction shines through in every frame, presenting a stylized aesthetic that is both gritty and glamorous. The use of color is particularly striking, with neon hues that echo the 1980s while feeling contemporary and fresh. The cinematography captures the allure of Los Angeles, transforming the city into a character of its own.

    Complementing the visuals is the film's unforgettable soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of synth-pop and atmospheric scores that elevate the viewing experience. Tracks like "Nightcall" by Kavinsky set the tone, making unforgettable moments even more impactful and memorable.

    "Drive" is a cinematic gem that transcends traditional genre boundaries. It's a film that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll, challenging viewers to reflect on the choices we make and the lives we lead. With its exceptional direction, captivating performances, and a perfect blend of style and substance, "Drive" is undoubtedly a must-see experience for any film lover. This film is not just a ride; it's a journey into the heart of darkness and a celebration of the art of cinema.
    9MidnightMax

    Best Film of 2011: "Drive"

    At the Theater- "Drive" -- This is not an Action film, this is not a "Car" movie- It's a character-driven, slow-burn thriller of the first order that features elements of some of the finer works from Directorial royalty like Martin Scorsese, Michael Mann, William Friedkin, Quentin Tarantino, Walter Hill and the late Sam Peckinpah.

    The film is an electric mixture of beautiful, lingering cinematography, a pulsating soundtrack, lean dialogue and short bursts of graphic, bloody violence. It's tense and involving- almost impossible not to get immersed in. Nicolas Winding Refn is a Director to definitely keep a tab on.

    Ryan Gosling is the embodiment of some kind of cold fire at the heart of the matter- his "Driver" character is a well-intentioned but unstoppable force that will surely end up as a cult favorite for decades to come. Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks and Oscar Issac round out an excellent cast that's pretty much in support but extremely well-utilized.

    Those wanting to check out a quick and disposable, mindlessly fun popcorn flick need to steer clear- this isn't what you're looking for. This is deadly-serious film-making that's damned-near perfect.

    It's my favorite film of the year- Hell, it's one of my all-time top faves.

    9.5 outta 10

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      After Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Winding Refn removed much of the Driver's dialogue, Bryan Cranston felt that his character, Shannon, should make up for the lack of talking in the film, and thus made Shannon a motormouth. Much of his dialogue is improvised.
    • Goofs
      In one shot, the tachometer on Driver's steering column reads 0 RPMs and none of the other gauges are reading normally for driving. This is likely due to the vehicle being towed on a dolly. The tachometer can be seen working in other shots.
    • Quotes

      [first lines]

      Driver: [on phone] There's a hundred-thousand streets in this city. You don't need to know the route. You give me a time and a place, I give you a five minute window. Anything happens in that five minutes and I'm yours. No matter what. Anything happens a minute either side of that and you're on your own. Do you understand?

      [pause]

      Driver: Good. And you won't be able to reach me on this phone again.

    • Alternate versions
      The preview version of the movie has slightly different dialogue in the telephone conversation between Bernie Rose and Driver preceding the meeting at the Great Wall restaurant. Regular theatrical cut Driver: [to Bernie] You know the story about the scorpion and the frog? Your friend Nino didn't make it across the river. Preview version Bernie Rose: Where's Nino? Driver: He's Gone. The reference to the story about the scorpion and the frog was left out of the preview version.
    • Connections
      Featured in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #1.19 (2011)
    • Soundtracks
      Tick of the Clock
      Written by Johnny Jewel

      Performed by Chromatics (as The Chromatics)

      Courtesy of Italians Do It Better Records

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    FAQ21

    • How long is Drive?Powered by Alexa
    • Is 'Drive' based on a book?
    • Why did the pawn shop owner say only one man was involved in the robbery and that no money was taken?
    • What kind of classic car is he driving in the dry ravine?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 16, 2011 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Le Pacte (France)
      • Official Facebook
    • Languages
      • English
      • Spanish
    • Also known as
      • Drive, el escape
    • Filming locations
      • Point Mugu, California, USA(end of the car chase)
    • Production companies
      • FilmDistrict
      • Bold Films
      • Madison Wells
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $15,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $35,061,555
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $11,340,461
      • Sep 18, 2011
    • Gross worldwide
      • $79,676,262
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 40 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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