Drive (2011)

Ryan Gosling is the Driver, a man of few words, but plenty of action. This is a really different character for him. Sure, we're using to seeing Gosling in action roles, but he's always the guy with the big mouth and usually the means to back it up. This character though, is different, almost savant different.
Everything goes along in awkward mode as the Driver gets to know Irene and her son, and then her husband is released from prison and the shit goes south real quick.
It seems that almost everyone has a link to organized crime in this movie, whether they know it or not. Hollywood normally gives us Vin Diesel or Jason Statham for these kind of movies, except that this isn't one of those movies.
Much like the main character, the soundtrack says much by saying little. There are long moments of near silence, the kind of moments where you expect music to fill in the blanks. But by leaving it out, the scenes create a feeling of anxiety that at times is almost unbearable. The atmosphere is very reminiscent of No Country for Old Men. When there is music playing, it's timeless and to the point. Based on the soundtrack this movie could be happening any time from 1970 until today.
The visualization of Drive matches the soundtrack. The way the characters dress, the cars they drive - with a couple of exceptions - are all timeless. And the backdrop of Los Angeles is the same - this could be any major city. All of this serves to put the focus on the story.
I'm not sure if this movie is brilliant, I guess that is better left to others, probably those that are more of a fan than I am. I'm glad I watched this film and have no regrets, but this is not one that I would freely suggest to friends. I would have to recommend it with the same caveat I reserve for films like No Country for Old Men and Goodfellas - this film is brutal and graphic.

Drive at IMDB