Detailed Summary
Introduction: The Driver’s Dual Life
The film introduces us to the enigmatic, unnamed protagonist simply known as “The Driver” (Ryan Gosling). By day, he works as a stuntman and mechanic in Los Angeles, but by night, he serves as a getaway driver for criminals. He’s calm, stoic, and precise in everything he does. In the opening sequence, The Driver orchestrates a tense, perfectly executed getaway that sets the tone for the film’s slow-burn approach to action.
Meeting Irene and Benicio
The Driver’s life takes a softer turn when he meets his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan), and her young son, Benicio. Irene’s husband, Standard (Oscar Isaac), is in prison, and the Driver gradually becomes a protective figure for them. The budding friendship and unspoken romantic tension between the Driver and Irene give the movie its emotional core, contrasting with the darker, violent world he’s a part of.
Standard’s Debt and the Heist Gone Wrong
When Standard is released from prison, it is revealed that he owes a large debt to local criminals. To protect Irene and Benicio, the Driver agrees to help Standard pull off a heist. However, the robbery goes disastrously wrong, resulting in Standard’s death. The Driver is forced to flee with Benicio’s mother, Irene, while also dealing with a bag full of stolen money that belongs to dangerous people.
The Driver’s Descent into Violence
After the failed heist, the Driver becomes entangled with two ruthless mobsters, Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks) and Nino (Ron Perlman), who want the stolen money back. As these men target Irene and Benicio, the Driver is pushed to take extreme measures to protect them. What follows is a series of brutal, violent confrontations, as the Driver methodically takes down his enemies, showing a darker, more violent side to his otherwise quiet and composed demeanor.
Final Confrontation and Sacrifice
The film reaches its climax when the Driver confronts Bernie. After a tense negotiation, the two men stab each other in a brutal and symbolic showdown. The film ends ambiguously, with the Driver driving off alone, leaving the fate of his relationship with Irene and his future uncertain. He drives away, bloodied but alive, disappearing into the night just as quietly as he entered it.
Movie Ending
In the closing moments, the Driver takes matters into his own hands, killing Bernie Rose to end the threat to Irene and Benicio. Afterward, he leaves the money behind, symbolizing that he’s choosing to protect those he cares about rather than seeking personal gain. The last we see of the Driver is him driving off into the night, wounded but alive, leaving behind his connection to Irene.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
The ending is open-ended and offers no post-credits scene, leaving viewers to wonder about the Driver’s future and what path he will take.
Type of Movie
Drive is a neo-noir action drama with strong elements of thriller and romantic tragedy. It’s a genre-defying film that merges high-stakes action with introspective, character-driven storytelling, all set against a moody, neon-lit Los Angeles backdrop.
Cast
- Ryan Gosling as The Driver
- Carey Mulligan as Irene
- Bryan Cranston as Shannon
- Albert Brooks as Bernie Rose
- Oscar Isaac as Standard Gabriel
- Christina Hendricks as Blanche
- Ron Perlman as Nino
Film Music and Composer
The film’s unforgettable soundtrack was composed by Cliff Martinez, featuring a mix of synthesized, retro-inspired electronic music that perfectly complements the film’s 1980s aesthetic. The soundtrack also includes tracks by artists like Kavinsky and Desire, with “Nightcall” and “A Real Hero” becoming particularly iconic.
Filming Locations
Drive was shot entirely in Los Angeles, California. The city plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the film, with its sprawling streets, neon lights, and seedy underbelly providing the perfect backdrop for the story. Many scenes were shot in actual LA neighborhoods, giving the movie a gritty, authentic feel.
Awards and Nominations
Drive was highly praised and earned numerous accolades, including:
- Cannes Film Festival: Nicolas Winding Refn won Best Director.
- Academy Award Nomination: Best Sound Editing.
- BAFTA Nomination: Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Albert Brooks).
Although it did not win major awards in the U.S., the film has since become a cult classic, revered for its direction, style, and performances.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Ryan Gosling built his own car for the film, doing much of his driving stunts.
- Nicolas Winding Refn was initially unfamiliar with LA, and Gosling drove him around the city for inspiration before filming started.
- Albert Brooks, known for comedy roles, took on the role of the brutal mobster Bernie Rose, surprising both critics and fans with his menacing performance.
- The iconic elevator scene was a major turning point for both the plot and the Driver’s character arc. It was also heavily debated during production regarding its pacing and tone.
Inspirations and References
- Drive was adapted from the novel Drive by James Sallis, though the film takes several liberties in its adaptation.
- The film was heavily inspired by 1970s and 1980s crime dramas like Bullitt and The Driver (1978), and stylistically influenced by the works of directors like Michael Mann and Jean-Pierre Melville.
- The film’s neon-soaked visuals and synth-heavy soundtrack are often associated with 1980s aesthetics, evoking films like Thief and Miami Vice.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no official alternate endings, but certain scenes were cut to focus more on the Driver’s emotional arc rather than expanding the plot further. One notable deleted scene involved more development of Irene’s relationship with her husband Standard, which was trimmed to maintain the film’s tight pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the film follows the general plot of James Sallis’ novel, there are significant differences in tone and detail:
- The novel has a more fragmented narrative, while the film streamlines the story for a cinematic flow.
- In the book, the Driver’s character is more introspective and morally ambiguous.
- The ending in the novel is much more open-ended, with the Driver surviving but left in a darker place mentally.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The opening getaway sequence, which perfectly demonstrates the Driver’s calm under pressure.
- The tense elevator scene, where the Driver violently kills an assassin in front of Irene, marking the film’s most brutal and emotional moment.
- The final confrontation between the Driver and Bernie Rose, where their face-off is cold, methodical, and lethal.
Iconic Quotes
- Driver: “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.”
- Bernie Rose: “There’s something inside you. It’s hard to explain. They’re talking about you, boy. But you’re still the same.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s opening scene is a subtle homage to The Driver (1978), a major influence on this movie.
- The Scorpion jacket the Driver wears references the fable of the Scorpion and the Frog, symbolizing his internal conflict between helping others and his violent tendencies.
- The pink cursive font used for the title card and credits is inspired by the 1980s TV show Miami Vice.
Trivia
- Ryan Gosling personally selected the film’s director, Nicolas Winding Refn, after watching his earlier film Bronson (2008).
- Albert Brooks shaved his eyebrows for his role to give Bernie Rose a more unsettling, cold appearance.
- The film originally had more dialogue, but Refn chose to cut a significant portion to focus on the Driver’s silent demeanor.
Why Watch?
Drive is a film that seamlessly blends stylish visuals, a mesmerizing soundtrack, and a story that combines the quiet intensity of a character study with explosive bursts of action. If you’re a fan of neo-noir, or you simply want to see a crime thriller that breaks genre conventions, Drive is a must-watch.
Director’s Other Movies
- Bronson (2008)
- Only God Forgives (2013)
- The Neon Demon (2016)
- Valhalla Rising (2009)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Driver (1978)
- Thief (1981)
- Nightcrawler (2014)
- Collateral (2004)
- Taxi Driver (1976)
