Tuesday
Feb072012
Feb 7 Drive - Blu-ray Review #17
A Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison. (Buy Now $19.99)
Reader Comments (4)
Ara, I couldn't agree with you more about Driver. My wife and I saw this movie on a rare night out without the kids and were so disappointed. We both kept looking at each other as if to say, "Somebody say something!" The movie was full of weird looks and lame music. The screen play dialogue could have fit on a napkin! I guess its one of those movies that people like you and I just don't get it,. I would not recommend this move to a friend which is why I am so amazed at the accolades its received.
I'm really looking forward to watching Drive. I've heard similar opinions on both sides. Really seems to be a devisive, "you either love it or you hate it" film. Can't wait to find out on which side I come down! :D
This movie was not what I expected at all.I thought that I was in for in for thrill a minute action car flick. Instead I got an artsy slowly paced ambiguous slice of life of the underbelly of L.A. I loved it. This movie looked great the sound track was reminiscent of a 1980's film score I loved it. The fact that everything was not clear cut and left room for interpretation was alright by me.The few chase scenes that are in the movie are well done.The trailers for this movie are misleading just know that you are in for a independent feeling and appearing movie.
*** Possibly contains minor spoilers ***
This is one of the best movies I have seen recently...in fact it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Don't go into it expecting a continuous yet pointless car chase scene - leave that to movies like Fast Five. You also need to put aside any latent attention deficits and stay focused. This is a movie that begs you to become immersed in the world of the story and the motivations of the characters. In order for the tension to work, you have to be patient enough to savor the quieter interludes between the brief but explosive action scenes. For the best non-spoiler synopsis I have read, check out the user review by Colin George on IMDB titled "Intelligent Adrenaline".
I personally really liked the Driver character. He's a loner with an uncertain past, but he lives by his own self-defined codes and standards. He knows how to handle himself in any situation, but he never goes looking for trouble. A Clint Eastwood / Steve McQueen type of anti-hero, the Driver doesn't seem to have a real plan for his life, but all that changes when he meets a woman with a complicated family situation. For possibly the first time in his life, he sees in her something he truly wants. There's an obvious attraction between them, but they both respect the circumstances and their relationship remains platonic (something all too rare in Hollywood films these days). Nevertheless, the Driver becomes entangled in her life and that's when everything starts to quickly unravel for everyone.
I felt that he soundtrack was absolutely outstanding. It is a testament to the potential impact of the high dynamic range in today's lossless CODECS. The quiet scenes are juxtaposed against intense soundfields emerging from intense action scenes...the sound completely supports the change in mood and dynamics occurring on screen.
The camera work during the chase scenes was memorable and unique. In one scene the perspective is kept entirely within the car, which adds such a sense of realism and helps the viewer appreciate the skill and intuition of the Driver. In another scene, the camera work is low and constantly moving around the chase vehicles...very reminiscent of the famous chase scene in Bullitt. One of the cars is even a Mustang and the other one is a Chrysler product.
I can't wait to watch it again!