The name Irene is derived from a Greek word meaning “Peace” When the driver realises he can’t be with Irene it’s like he realises he can’t ever have peace.
My favorite scene is when they're in the elevator, and Driver looks over to see the gun in the guy's jacket. He reaches back to protect Irene, turns around and kisses her. It will be the last time she sees him as she does (before he unleashes hell on the guy sent to kill him, which she knows nothing about).
This might just be coincidence. In the book, the character's name is Irena because she's latina. They had to change it to Irene because Carrie Mulligan is white
there's another theory about the Scorpion Jacket related to the History of The Scorpion in the Frog: Driver IS the Frog: His job was drive for criminals, to take them wherever they need. Basicly they are the Scorpion. That's why the Scorpion is in the back of his Jacket, he carry on that dangerous animal all the time while he manages to drive for criminals and in the end , the criminal life siting him and dooming him with that.
it's like a warning symbol you mess with me i'll sting you and we are going down no matter what...but he is the driver he cannot drown...he doesn't want to be a frog anymore...so the criminals are the frogs and he plays that role as one of them because he has to ...the scorpion applies to the criminals as well...it's the symbol of don't bite the hand that feeds you
@GravityLee commenting on how people allegedly watch movies badly as if it explained why they have a different opinion is pretty goddamn rich coming from a guy who's entire argument for "the ending was terrible" (it wasn't by the way, wanna talk about script problems in 2049 then don't pick the best part of the movie, or the one with the least dialogue since that's script rather than screenplay just fyi) is non existent, also comparing blade runner to nolan's batman or even spielberg is just fucking ridicolous. How the hell you keep a straight face when claiming 2049 had a bad script and then say blade runner is "up there" with the fuckind dark knight rises which was just bad, not even disappointing, just bad. You should try to make better arguments instead of claiming other people watch things wrong or without expectations (which by the way is like claiming that your own goddamn view was biased from the start, sooo not really strong in the thesis department) think what you like, but don't go around and pretend like it's the word of god because you watch movies with the lights off, i do too, and i still try argument my viewpoints and study what i'm talking about instead of thinking I'm to good for it; i took the time to write this shit to a guy who thinks the dark knight is comparable to blade runner, so maybe next time instead of dismissing others try and make a coherent argument with some substance and you'll find that it's not so easy to throw out bs into the wind that way. Any asshole can claim a movie is bad, try and see how many can make a decent argument for why
I know I'm 8 years late, but Driver isn't the scorpion, he's the frog. He carries criminals around on his back (in his car) and they take him down with him even if they said everything would go perfectly as planed. That's why he has the scorpion on his back with the jacket. It's legit what the director said.
There's just 1 thing I don't understand in this movie, and it's when Driver helps Standard rob the convenience store. Being that he doesn't want anything bad to happen to Irene and her son, (of course), why does he say to Standard, "I'll see you in 5 minutes." which is the same time he gives any other criminal he doesn't give a shit about? Being that he cares for her, wouldn't he do whatever he could to ensure her safety?
@@pugernoufer he is a meticulous psychopath that more than likely leaves all emotion behind while on a job. He sticks to his rules which is why it worked for him on all the other jobs before the pawn shop
Holy shit that’s crazy because I thought that too but I immediately dismissed it because he literally has a scorpion so he must be the scorpion definitely should’ve realize that the scorpion is on his “back”. Everything makes so much more sense now
+Frankie Gino would you say the same about 'the art of puking on canvas'? What I mean is that if you stare long enough at sth it'll begin to look as whatever you wish ...
+Ming HUANG Obviously there are different tastes for different people. The only measuring stick for art is a common consensus that stands the test of time. If you are comparing the in-depth and nuanced conversations one could have about DRIVE to puking on a canvas, I think you are grasping at straws that just don't hold up.
I was just re watching this and I noticed something. At the start of the film, Shannon mentions that Driver is stunt doubling for the star of the film. That means the mask is a mask of the main protagonist in whatever movie's being shot, which adds a more fitting meaning as to why Driver wears it. Because he finally gets to be the good guy, the real hero, as he's been wanting all along.
+Brendan Brady YES! He's the stuntman / hero - It was completely missed in this review . The frog/scorpion is a no brainer - but wearing the mask illustrates / metaphor that he is in fact the hero . Though Chris indirectly mentions this by X lines reality / Hollywood - Its key as his nature was never really that of the scorpion - by definition .
+Brendan Brady More like he wants to be "recognized" as the hero. Since stuntmen rarely get the credit they deserve in movies. It could be more symbolic of his talents finally be recognized, which would fit right inline with the kind of narcissism that can be found in psychopathic killers like the driver, lol.
+Brendan Brady ..................not really .. what they also do is use a mask like he had on and then use their magic to fill in the actors face... thats why the mask is without detail.... blank canvas
Early in the movie, the Driver has a "staring contest" with little Benicio, telling him "you blinked." Like you said, in a film this meticulously crafted, no detail is unimportant. During that last suspenseful scene, I was freakin' waiting for that blink. It *had* to happen, it was foreshadowed.
Minh An Đồng Lol nah but it’s a callback. At the end we don’t know if he’s alive or dead until he finally blinks. When he and the kid have the staring contest the kid blinked first. At the end he’s literally having a staring contest with the audience and then he blinks letting us know he lives
Boring? This is like the best film Ryan has made...I get chills watching it every time, he's awesome in this movie...what kind of idiots would say negative things about a movie this good
Driver references the fable of The Scorpion and the Frog: the frog agrees to carry the scorpion across the river; the scorpion stings the frog, saying "it's my nature" and both drown. Driver can be seen as The Frog of the story - he drives/carries criminals (scorpions) around in his car, but is inevitably dragged into their destructive world (stung) leading to everybody's downfall. Driver's jacket has a scorpion on the back, just as the frog carried the scorpion on its back.
@Who Cares The Driver's dream died. He can never live a normal life with Irene & Benicio plus he's a marked man for life by the mob now. So the Scorpion (crime life) did sting him.
@@Star-qi4sf well if he were pretending then why a scorpion on his back? I think its the other way around where he thinks he is the scorpion until he realises he is the one being stung, so he is the frog.
@@stevemakoskijr8074 Better late than never ... just watched it back to back for the first time! Truly one of the best movies i have ever seen. Weirdly i knew the Nightcall song for ages and "Official Drive Soundtrack" is even mentioned in the title but i never cared to look into it or watch it.
Basically people don't understand these movies because these movies aren't typically your normal " hero saves the day and happily ever after" its a realistic type of movie and the ending is the best part of the film...
It probably is. Bernie was right. His future is now ruined because of what happened. Also, he will always carry the criminal life with him (scorpion always on his jacket).
This movie was amazing. How can people call it boring. I actually liked that it wasn't some stupid shit like Tranformers. Seriously, why do Americans movie-goers love stupid explosions that don't make sense.
I remember watching the red band theatrical trailer maybe shy of a year before Drive was released. Seemed like an interesting film with a bit of action. Seeing the best director award badge from Cannes had me genuinely interested. The chick I was dating at the time, when I brought it up the weekend of it's theatrical release, watched the TV trailer and decided to see it along with me. I was absolutely astonished and loved every brilliant minute of it. She was expecting another Fast and Furious-type popcorn action flick and left without a single good word to say about it. Complete failure from a marketing perspective. Damn shame that so many people let their expectations taint how they viewed this film.
The ocean murder scene seems even more relevant now that the scorpion/frog story is so integral to the movie. He could have killed him on the beach, and neither one of them had to actually walk into the water; but they both did. Gosling is the one on top, murdering the gangster in the water while wearing the scorpion jacket. But he's doing so while wearing the mask... so is he a frog acting like a scorpion? Fuck if I know...
I really liked how nino tries to go but the waves push him back. Also my favourite scene is probably the elevator kiss. The way the lighting shifts from realistic to godly just when he sees the gun on the guy is so good
It was good, but that you think it was stellar just goes to show how poor the movie offerings have been in the last decade! I found it rather depressing.
It's really well made, but ultimately not very deep or intellectually stimulating... It's extremely good for what it is, but I have a lot more appreciation for something more ambitious and sophisticated in terms of story and character development.
I love this film. The Elevator scene is probably one of the greatest scenes in film history. The film, it's technical aspects, and all of its actors, were unfairly ignored by most awards bodies.
According the IMDb: "Driver can be seen as The Frog of the story - he drives/carries criminals (scorpions) around in his car, but is inevitably dragged into their destructive world (stung) leading to everybody's downfall. Driver's jacket has a scorpion on the back, just as the frog carried the scorpion on its back."
Hey I have a question about the summary. After the failed robbery while in the motel, why does in the TV news say robber acted alone when chick was also in there?
it's called drive....and that's what he did...he drove all the time...away from situations into them and away from them. in the end he drove away but for how long untill the next encounter? it was a western on wheels.
@Nicky Poundtown That was exactly my thought, but we did see him with that doctor(?) in Shannon's shop after the motel scene. There are no mistakes in filmmaking, only in RU-vid comments.
Drive also means an innate, biologically determined urge to attain a goal or satisfy a need. His drive was to be that real hero, to escape the underbelly, and.... he drove a car. Thats where the people didn't get the title of the movie and had unrealistic expectations.
I have a bit deeper take on the end scene where he blinks before driving off. In the first half of the movie while fixing a car the driver and the boy have a a stare-off. And driver mentions to him that he blinked and implies that the boy lost. That adds a layer in the end scene where he finally blinks letting us know he is still alive. He has gained a bit of humanity back from this whole experience. It was interesting that in the review you mentioned the driver looking like a boy at times. It kind of adds up to me.
There's a duality between this films ending scene and Blade Runner 2049's ending scene. The camera pans closely to both and only in Drive does he make it out alive
I agree Drive was awesome. It's so weird how some people didn't like it because it lacked action. There is so much more to movies than action. Nightcrawler is one of my favorite movies of all time. It sort of has the same vibe as Drive. Incredible story and directing and tone but not too much action. I recommended Nightcrawler to 3 of my friends and everyone of them said they didn't like it because it lacked action. Man some people just don't appreciate and love films as much as others.
Anthony Walker I'm okay with a film not having action, but if your film isn't an action film don't start the movie with a really well directed suspense/action scene, only to then follow up up at about the halfway point with another kick A action scene. The dumb part of my brain expects there to be one more action scene, and when it doesn't come I feel disappointed. Complaining there is no action in Nightcrawler is dumb: the movie creates no expectation for that. It's a sort of character study/satire. But for me Driver did create that expectation twice over, and I was really hoping for one last really satisfying action sequence to end the movie on, along with all of the good narrative work it's doing. I want both. I don't mind that Citizen Kane doesn't have action because it starts with some old guy dying in bed uttering a mysterious word. I want to know who the old guy is, and what the mystery word means. Citizen Kane gives me that, so I say the movie is good. When a movie starts out the way Drive does, I kind of want more of that...along with the great visual/minimalist storytelling and cinematography. I don't think that makes me someone who doesn't "appreciate and love films as much as others." Just to clarify, I'm not personally offended or anything, I'm just trying to make a point. As I hinted at, I too run across people who only say a movie is objectively good, if it's the kind of movie they subjectively like.
Media Musings A good movie plays with your expectations. I think you should tell the dumb part of your brain to shut up :P it's when you have a preconceived idea of how a film will be and expect it to be that you set yourself up for disappointment.
TheJerbol There's the rub though: where does a movie draw the line between fulfilling an audience members expectations, and when should it subvert them? That's part of what makes this movie tough for me even if I get my Commando loving brain to chill for a sec.
Media Musings I think expectations period should be ignored, at least for a "good" movie. If it's supposed to be an action movie then if it fails at that there isn't anything else to redeem it (God knows people don't really watch pure action movies for the plot, acting or dialogue). With Drive, as well as with plenty of other movies, the advertisers made the huge mistake of misrepresenting the movie in its' trailer, making it seem like the action is the main feature when it's clearly not. But this was also probably intentional, because if the action-movie crowd is huge and if they could get some of that crowd into the theatre then they've made that much more money, even if the audience hated it. So from a business standpoint it makes sense, it just pisses off regular movie-goers. In my own experience, most quality movies have a radically different impact on me than I would expect from their trailers. Basically trailers are awful in general and should be only used to establish whether you have a base level of interest in seeing it. But audiences should go into the movie prepared to have their expectations trampled I think. Again unless it's just some 2 Fast 5 Furious or Friends with Benefits type romcom.
Gimp God Drive and Nightcrawler are two of my all time favorite also. I had a similar situation, none of the people I recommended Nightcrawler to liked it, also, mostly due to "lack of action," to what I normally answer with "depends what you consider 'action." For me, action doesn't only happen physically, but also happens inside characters and the way they think. Drive is a movie with plenty of action, it just that most of it happens in the mind of the Driver. Not sure if that's your case, but I think the connection between Nightcrawler and Drive (as for being among my favorites) have to do with the film being a reflection of the feeling and thoughts of the main character.
One of my favorite parts of the movie, is when Oscar Isaac shows up. In 95% of all movies, a character like this would be portrayed as a jerk, as he gets in the way of the love story, but having him be a really likable character is just so unique.
I really enjoyed the little detail of the gloves. When he snaps it’s the first time we see him not wearing them when he’s doing a crime. I think it shows his mental state. If I’m wrong then call me out but I think it’s great if it is true
You missed something that I thought was beautiful about the ending. Throughout the first half of the movie, Benicio challenges Driver to staring contests on a couple occasions. Driver always wins the contests. Then, in the end of the movie, Driver is sitting in his car bleeding and motionless. If you blink just once you could miss any sign of life left; Driver is challenging you to a staring contest. After a couple seconds he blinks and drives off. He won.
You skipped over my favorite scene in the movie, and the one that I think sums Bernie as a character. When he kills Shannon he does it with a blade to the wrist. He tells him it's painless, it's over. 2 things are happening here. First, his composure while killing someone. He kills Cook messily with intense anger. Here, he is calm and collected as well as the most terrifying he's been in the movie so far. He's done this before. Secondly, you see some humanity in him. He cared about Shannon. He didn't want to do this but circumstances forced his hand. He also used what looks like a prized possession to kill him with. Maybe a sign of respect?
Matt Hunter I think in a lot of ways, Bernie didn't even like Nino anymore, if he ever did at all. He shows a lot of contempt for him over the course of the film, and while what he says could be interpreted as a threat, re recollects it negatively, talking about how he liked Shannon enough to entertain a lot of bad business. I think in a lot of ways, Driver and Bernie were in an identical situation, but chose differently. I think that Bernie went into that parking lot knowing that he'd die. Bernie's character is smart enough not to take on the driver alone after he killed Nino bare handed. Driver chose to move on when he realized he couldn't be happy, Bernie didn't.
I would argue Bernie never liked Nino. Nino was characterized as compulsive and hot headed. Bernie is the exact opposite. Thoughtful and composed. I still think that scene is one of the most important in the movie. It brings so much of the interaction and emotion to a single brilliantly acted moment.
Amazing movie, one of my favorites. It’s kinda funny finding my old comments from when I first saw this movie and comparing them to others who saw it relatively recently too
The soundtrack to this film was unbelievable. Every song fit perfectly with it's placement in the specific scene it was used in. Plus the songs are just really good by themselves.
Omg it's so good to finally hear this. I watched this movie with 5 people men and women who I thought were smart, and they all found it boring and mocked it . Back then I was the youngest and I felt like I loved the movie but they managed to make me doubt of myself! The Idiots were so wrong. Thank you dude
I've watched Drive easily over 20 times and consider it a masterpiece. For a long time Pulp Fiction was my favourite film, but every time I re-watched Drive I started leaning more and more towards Drive. I'm so glad Drive was not what the average audience was expecting
I just loved the fact that he kisses her in the elevator, as the movie seems to dim the lighting and slow down time. He cherishes this moment, as it will be the last time Irene sees him the way she does (before he stomps the ever-loving shit out of the guy in the elevator with them, who was sent to kill him).
ChasingTruth TakingFlak hahaha I thought I was the only person who said 'human bean'. I got it from a foreigner who made a typo on a file sharing program
Similarities if Interest!!!!!!!! 1)Taxi Driver 2)Night Crawler 3)Collateral 4)Donnie Darko 5)Fight Club 6)The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo 7)American Physco 8)Gone Girl 9)Charles Bronson The Characters in these movies are either Quite,Mysterious,Outsider,Creepy,Psycho,Dark, And Sick Sense of Humor!!!!!!!!!! My Kind of Cinema!!!!!!😱
Americans have a real problem with films without lines and scripts - its a very european style - those non-verbal scenes with moods and feeling rather than obvious emotion like classic drama - with lots of diaologue and plenty of clear emotional scenes. Drive leaves enough space to let the viewer put themselves into the characters - rather than being on the outside while watching a clearly defined character - it draws you in. I would say what makes Drive great is that it doesnt have a message - it just IS. Personally I related the core theme of this movie to being lonely - that feeling of being disconnected and in your own world while trying to connect with others. Also the movie is intentionally soft and dream like before descending into a dark and violent nightmare - in a way you feel as though the driver is destined to never have a normal life.
Blinking throughout the movie was so classic, having you have a blinking contest with him at the end in the car, when you were waiting for him to blink.
Wow - you missed two things (off the top of my head): 1. When Standard returns, Driver backs off - I think that is HUGE in the film. The guy goes completely against his instinct and does the right thing. In fact he takes on the role of a (sort of) protector when he realizes that Standard can't handle the situation he's in. You also get an idea of the difference between the two men who are in love with Irene. Standard is the ex-con, but inside he's weak, whereas Driver - like you said - is the shark. 2. The end where Irene knocks on his door is huge - sh'e had a think, and in spite of his true persona being revealed to her, she wants to see him. She knows he would never hurt her. My two cents.
Drive is such an amazing movie. In fact, I'd put it on my top ten list. The performances, cinematography, and soundtrack are all A+ IMO. Plus, I really like how the movie shows that communication is mostly non verbal. It's impressive that so much chemistry happened between Driver and Irene w-such minimal dialogue.
I love in the bullet scene where Driver puts the bullet to the guy's head and wields the hammer back, he is so focused he doesn't need a gun, he *is* the gun, even the camera pulling out when he pulls his hand back, it's beautiful. Also, dat soundtrack doh.
Great flick. Some people have absolutely no attention span these days. I want to gag when there is too much action in movies. I don't want to see car chases & shoot-out scenes where the main character unbelievable survives/avoids thousands of bullets, and out-drives 20 police & villain vehicles out to kill him. This is believable. Goslings acting is strong, and the soundtrack is very good.
Thank you, people can't seem to recognize movies like The Way Of The Gun which is very subdued and only three action scenes that are very well done. Our protagonists get shot, have to reload, and are ultimately left dying in the sand alone. Drive and Way Of The Gun are my favourites.
You just had to bring up *Way of the Gun* didn't you. Now I can't help but to watch Sarah Silverman get punched in the face for the 10th time.=D What about *No Country for Old Men* (Seen it?)? Tommy Lee Jones never gets in a gun battle through the whole movie. "Chigurh" hunts down "Llewelyn" the whole movie. They had the one gun battle, but never ran into each other again (the predictable ending would've been another intense shoot-out where Llewely kills Chigurh in heroic fashion). Instead Llewelyn gets killed by some faceless Mexican Cartel members, and Chigurh just gets smashed by a car, and limps off. Unpredictable = Good stuff..
bill smith: agreed. I also don't like where the movie features a ton of action but lack of intelligence. However I do have to admit that the drivers choice to help out standard by getting involved in the criminal activities instead of going to police was not realistic. But it did make the movie fun though.
In fact, he could be both of them. He is the frog because he is the driver; but he also is the scorpion, the part more violent in him, because he is injured by his own acts. Making both drowned
good idea but guys you are over-thinking it - refn admitted that Gosling added it in last minute (the line about frog and scorpion) - it wasnt planned.
I gave this movie a shot in theaters without knowing anything about it and I was pleasantly surprised. The acting throughout the entire cast was splendid. Looking back, this made me an official fan of Gosling.
How can anyone dislike this film? It's beautifully shot, constructed, acted and directed. The soundtrack is intoxicating. The connection between the leads is touching. All the supporting cast is fantastic.
Carla MSM because expectation. I hated it first time i watched it, but then rewatched after everyone was praising it and i loved it. When you expect and action movie but get this slow paced one offcourse ur gonna be dissapointed.
The reason why so many people didn't like it is the same reason that so many people didn't like Bladerunner 2049, which again has Ryan Gosling in it, the thing is, with today's tik tok and instagram generation people (even adults not just zoomers) tend to convert their brains into a faster pattern of thinking and reaction, what i want to say with this is that they expect everything to happen fast, explosions, deaths, car chases all too fast with many changing camera angles and positions, this isn't the deal with Drive and Bladerunner, both movies are slow, in both movies the hero isn't some kind of badass who kills and runs like John Wick, he's a person like all of us in real life and just tries to survive and do the good deed he thinks is good, which is what makes these films so different and so hated to today's generations, most people can't simply absorb them because they are something deeper than just big explosions and cool fight scenes, the first time i saw Drive and BladeRunner i didn't like them, i thought they are too slow and too weird, after digging deeper and learning some things about the movies i rewatched them like 3 times and loved them, they are really brilliant for what they are, a calm slow violent romantisicm and heroism if you will, now that's a bold statement but i don't think people can consider themselves movie lovers if they didn't like those 2 films, they are just brilliant and represent accurately the word "cinema".
ill be honest, i thought it was quite boring. most of the time of the film was dedicated towards the drama between irene and the driver, and it has many plot points that essentially wither away and end in nothing. i feel like if drive was a tv show, it would be much better as they could flesh out the story far more, and possibly one of the greatest pieces of medium at the time, but this turned out to be a wasted opportunity for me
@@yiannis777-l9c ehhh from the people i hang out with who are mostly the 97 to 02 generation i dont think we really have short attention spans. Most people i know would rather wach a movie like this thats deep and has meaning then avengers where its just explosions and action. Its boring i dont wanna wach 2 hours of meaningless violence and explosions.
people are too obsessed with mindless action, a real movie doesnt have to rely on explosions to entice the audience, a real movie slowly builds up tension with the characters, this is an amazing movie in my opinion and one of my favourite protagonist in films today
One of my favorite films of all time. I keep returning to this fantastic analysis video almost on an annual basis. Thank you Chris for doing what you're doing!
I don't find the ending explanation satisfactory, even if it came from Gosling. Driver does not strike me _at all_ to be the type to be obsessed with movies. He's a stunt driver because he drives, not because he loves movies that much. I think it was more him abandoning whatever humanity he had at that point and giving in completely to the vengeance. He reveled in what he was going to do to Nino, whom he despised more than anything, and didn't want/need the good side of himself to be there when he did the deed. So he uses the mask to become the dark in himself, and maybe to hide what he was about to do from his good side.
TheJerbol Dude, he was straight up imitating 80's heroes from movies back in the day. Watch the beginning of the movie. They weren't even being that subtle about it. -Lone wolf -Silent protagonist -Cheesy intros -Iconic outfits (Scorpion and gold jacket/cape) -Always in some type of pursuit conflict (Driving) -Always in control of the situation (I never felt he was in danger until the end) He acts like a kid during the time his "mask" is off when he's with Irene and the kid. He straight up acts kiddish. Slowly throughout the film this stereotype/mask of his dissolves and he becomes his own person as he prefers the family life over the "action" life. He talks. He kills for personal reasons. He's morally grey He actually shows emotion. He's not alone anymore It turns out on the inside he's actually a pretty crazy dude.
"-Lone wolf -Silent protagonist -Cheesy intros -Iconic outfits (Scorpion and gold jacket/cape) -Always in some type of pursuit conflict (Driving) -Always in control of the situation (I never felt he was in danger until the end)" You are more listing features of the film rather than features of the character. How is him being in control, and driving indicative of him enjoying movies? This is more a case of the character IS like 80's movie heroes rather than TRYING TO BE like 80's movie heroes.
TheJerbol No, he's trying to be like an 80's hero character. The techniques of film are used to highlight this. Camera shots, angles, score, dialogue. These are all used to highlight things the director wants you to see. His composure. The way he chews on his toothpick. The calmness in high stake situations. Once his "job" is over the film shows how lonely the dude actually is. Once he's out of his role he's just a loner who wants to belong to a family. THAT's the real him. Or at least part of the real him (more on that later) It's a damn act. He slowly loses that mask throughout the film. He instantly loses it whenever he interacts with the family. He acts like a child (the age that lots of people worshipped 80's movies) when he's not in his "badass" mode. He's straight up socially awkward. He works as a stuntman for movies. He works as a getaway driver. They all revolve around care chases. Not racing, but simply car chases. He barely showed any interest in the care race thing going on with Shannon in the movie. He enjoys movies (specifically 80's movies) because he tries to exhibit traits shown with protagonists in 80's movies. The film even introduces him EXACTLY how an 80's movie would back in the day. He eventually goes from 80's hero to normal person and then to some kind of villain in the end. That's who he really is completely. He's a "bad" guy who wants to belong to a family but keeps finding himself getting dragged into the trouble that is crime. He's not a traditional bad guy. He's a humanized one. The antagonist, Berney, was humanized too. He was also a bad guy who had a nice and empathetic side to him. The driver is no different. It wasn't all black and white like it is in 80's movies.
Yharo Torres You are wrong. This film is imitating 80s heroes in movies, the character is not. By listing things the director wants the audience to see, you are describing the film. You are not describing the character. Does the character ever say anything that supports the idea that he is obsessed with movies? No.
When i saw the movie i thought it was great, very well crafted, grounded, visually stunning, and i wanted to comment on it with somebody who saw it, one coworker responded: "There was not enough driving in it" and the first thing i thought was that people were expecting a Fast & Furious style movie, filled with cool cars at high speeds, with bright colors, guys with big guns and lots of shaky-cam and a hero-gets-the-girl happy ending. its what the average movie-going audience expects from Hollywood, and when something different comes up they naturally dislike it. I don't totally dislike those kinds of movies, some of them are good and they have to exist to keep the industry going. But this movie challenges you and i love it. Great review!
There really wasn't enough driving in it. There should have been more slow contemplative driving scenes, and I thought the driver taking Mulligan's blondie and Benicio for a drive incredibly cheesy for some reason or another. But either way that's not the problem I had with the movie.
Dude, do more of these longer format reviews, your just good at it. I feel like I can finally appreciate this movie, I was deffinatly confused the first couple times at what I was watching
For me the elevator scene was him realizing that sometimes you have to do terrible things for good reasons that don't fully justify the terrible things. Him kissing her was his was of savoring the last moments where she doesn't see him as a complete monster which to me was sort of beautiful and Heart breaking because I think a lot of people can relate to that...
I believe that the bit where he kisses her in the elevator was in his head, because otherwise how would the driver have enough time to turn around, kiss Irene for a good 10-15 seconds and then turn back around without the thug just punching or shooting him? Also why do the lights dim when he kisses Irene, and only turn back on when he stops kissing her? But good analogy.
I just watched this movie for the first time and I'm genuinely proud of myself for how much of these details I picked up on my first viewing. Something that I found interesting was that when Nino was trying to get away the tide washed him back closer to the Driver, showing that there's no escaping his fate and that this force of nature was going to end him.
i loved gosling's performance here, understated, subtle, even a little smile conveys so much warmth. Introverted, man of a few words yet, capable of murder. I love the soft and hard aspects of this character
Drive is one of my favourite movies of all time! People who know great movies will find it and love it as much as I do. Another underrated classic that went under the radar.
I disagree with your interpretation of how the Scorpion and Frog story pertains to the movie. The Driver isn't the Scorpion; he's the frog carrying the Scorpion on his back. This makes sense, considering he's a driver who literally carries these people around. And the scene in the elevator isn't the Driver stinging Irene; it's Nino and the thug stinging the Driver (and perhaps Irene as well). The Driver tried to be rational and just give Nino his money and be done with it, but Nino is a scorpion, so it's in his nature to hunt down anyone who knows too much. So while the thug might not have killed him, he did force the Driver to show his true colors, and end the relationship (and by extension, the life) that he so desperately wanted. Another thing regarding the scorpion is that one of the final shots shows that the Driver's jacket is ruined, if not by the blood the by the hole created by the knife. From a literal standpoint, this means that the Driver will never wear that jacket again. From a metaphorical standpoint, though, this represents the Driver making the decision to never again do any kind of dirty work. It was an interesting symbol, and I'm just a little surprised you didn't mention it. I also disagree with what you said at 17:20. This isn't the first time he's seen his opportunity. He's known for a long time that he doesn't care about the money. He's known that all he cares is Irene's life and his own life (in that order). Before he even entered the restaurant, he knew his goal was to be the better person he had been wanting to become. Bernie knows this as well, which is why he offers that ultimatum. Other than that, this was a great video about a great movie.
Also, the jacket having been stabbed could be metaphorical of him being stung, like the frog. Personally, I agree more with Chris's viewpoint, but I can't deny that it is noteworthy to mention that he wears the scorpion symbol on his back, as if carrying it around, and what you said about his driving (carrying) people around making him the frog was a very good and interesting point to make
Could it be that he is both the frog (his better self he wants to emerge onto another "shore" as) and the scorpion (the baddie he has to be symbolically and literally covering up his better qualities)? I need to watch the movie again, but I would be interested in knowing if the coat is always on when he needs such protection.
He, like everyone, is both. In the scenes where they center on the scorpion, he is usually behaving like a scorpion. Doing something he doesn't really want to do that hurts himself. In the end, the scorpion is back toward Bernie and we only see Gosling, here he is the frog who was hurt for trying to carry the scorpion(s) to safety.
Chris's breakdown of this movie is so perfect. I always saw it for what it was meant to be but Chris's analysis has given me a new appreciation for not only the film itself but Ryan Gosling as an actor
I think you shoulda contrasted the first chase scene with the second one. There were so many differences that showed his change. He was out of his element in the second. He broke all his rules with Standard. He actually was not in control for once in this chase. He actually was emotionally invested the second time and the score was left out for the second one to highlight the tension.
You missed it dude, Gosling is the frog. He literally transports people, has a scorpion on his back, and is "stung" by the movies true scorpion at the end. It's right there!!
***** My read of the story is about as far from literal as you can get. It just so happens that the story of the movie has elements that directly correlate. I'm sorry you're wrong, but then again, it doesn't affect me, so I'm not that broken up about it.
Drive to this day is the best film I have ever seen. The cinematography tied with the perfect score and appropriate soundtrack to scene were utterly euphoric. Edit: the pacing of the scenes to the films plot and character arc was perfect
+Diana Carbajal The Notebook is a strange case. On set, Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams hated each other. They would argue, cuss each other out, and Ryan even told the director that if she wasn't replaced, he was gonna walk. Somehow, the director was able to take that hatred they had for each other, and translate it into this tangible passion in the movie. It's actually really brilliant. If those two didn't really hate each other on-set (they dated later), the movie would be flat and lifeless.
I had heard the two had a difficult time getting along during filming (didn't know it was that bad though). I think I may watch it now out of curiosity haha
The make-up sex must 've been incredible !! You go through all the fighting first then the naughty things come in later ! ANNND HARDER saucy [ I 've been up too long!!] E NJOY!!
I loved this movie. And my favorite scene is the last one. I don't know if you noticed but Driver NEVER blinks throughout the whole movie. The suspense in that last scene got me nervous but then he actually blinks and, without saying a word, he is like "it's done" and disappears.
First time i watched Drive was probably in 2011. At that time, I thought of it as an aesthetically great work, but failed to recognize the story and its meanings. Tonight, I have watched it for a second time and was able to dig deeper into it, therefore realizing what a masterpiece it is. Chris Stuckmann, your video helped me synthesize everything in my head, consolidating this movie's significance in my life. Thanks! I'm a fan.
The story of the scorpion, the desire to want to be anything else but a vile creature, and ultimately the realization that you are who you are, and that's what destiny is. Also really badass how Driver and Bernie "stab" each other like 2 scorpions. Both so capable of doing harm so effortlessly, but still longing to be better men.
Great review, Chris. I really enjoy your commentary generally. I see this review as exceptional, among your best work. I loved this film, I saw it in December of 2012. Unfortunately, right around that time I began a horrifying divorce from my wife of 15 years. The film, the “theme” song, the positive experience I felt with Drive was associated with that time frame. Since that time, I have not been able to watch the film, listen to two of my favourite songs on the soundtrack. I had even compartmentalized my fondness for the infamous scorpion jacket. I saw this review today, and it brought up the same pain and anxiety that I’ve felt when reminded of the film any time since 2012. Yet, I saw that it was your review, and somehow that made me feel ok to watch it. By the end, I was excited about the film again, which I’d say is a testament to how a review well done can offer new and insightful perspective, which is pretty fucking awesome! Thank you, Chris, I’m watching my copy on blue ray today! Great review, great work and really enjoy what you’re doing generally. I might even track down one of those bad ass scorpion jackets! Thank you.
The scene in the elevator is too perfect. Driver is trying to escape. He wants to shrug off everything he has done. He is holding onto the illusion that he isn’t one of the sharks. He offers Irene the money, desperately hoping she will take it and run with him. And then the thug arrives and he knows he can’t escape, but he can protect the girl. So he kisses her goodbye, and stops pretending.
The scene in 9:57 it's a call back to the conversation: "is there no good shark?" The cold look at the drivers face, his calm movements out the shot resembles a shark. Also, notice that the hotel's room is blue, like as if they were under water.
Such a great movie this is in my top 5 favorite movies 5 training day/ trainspotting 4 Donnie Darko 3 drive 2 goodwill hunting 1 requiem for a dream I know that's a weird list but that's my opinion!
Insightful analysis, Chris! Thanks for explaining the story about the scorpion and the frog. I somewhat understood the meaning, but the details you provided helped clarify its purpose for me.
My friend had been on me for close to 6 months telling me how fucking great this movie was,I just told him I'd watch it not expecting much and as soon as those credits come down the screen a tear rolled down my face,this has recently become my new favourite movie of all time
I just finished watching it... on TNT. Honestly, the version I watched is pretty much the neutered version. All (if not most) of the violence is censored out, the swearing is replaced with more 'comical' swearwords that made me chuckle, and they cut most of the chase scenes out. I haven't seen the original uncensored version, and I'm planning on purchasing that version. Because I honestly did like the movie, no... I loved it (and the fact that I've played Hotline Miami (more times then I want to admit) probably helped with that, as I can see the inspirations and similar story/characters). The slow pace was a nice change, The Driver character did his job well, and (when it wasn't cut out) I could feel the tension building up to an ending that was cut very fucking short (seriously it stopped right after the woman knocked on the apartment.). So I'm planning on rewatching it again to get the full experience.
Detective Manny Pardo I've played Hotline Miami as well long after seeing the movie, and i didn't even notice the similarities until now, i feel like a dumbass lol
I just watched this movie and truly loved it. I can relate to the Driver character because I've been an introvert all my life and I love driving cars. Who cares if there wasn't a 45min car chase. The music, camera angles, and the connection you make with the characters in the movie matter the most.
Thank you SO MUCH for this. This is one of my favorite films, and I was so frustrated by its reception. You're exactly right, they screwed the pooch with the marketing/trailer. For one, it spoiled all of the major action sequences, and two, it sold the movie as something it wasn't. I saw this movie years after it came out, without seeing the trailer first, only having read the short blurb on the back of the box. I got WAY more than I bargained for. The slow, meticulous unraveling of the story, learning about this character; it was such a suspenseful experience. It felt meaningful. Not just another action movie. Something real. I know that if I had seen the trailer first, I would not have experienced this film the same way.
+trollstradamus That is hard to tell. You can start watching Bronson and other Refn's films. Drive wasn't his first movie and even though the rest aren't as popular as this one, they're good as well, and more importantly they all have things in common with Drive.
I mentioned this before but I personally didn't want Drive to be like The Fast and Furious movies as said that some people wanted it to be like. It didn't even look like that kind of a film to me.
Films like Drive are definitely worth watching, especially if you are a really big film fan. You try to see the complex side of scenes that are deemed simple or invaluable to the casual movie-goer and make something great out of it. I loved this movie ever since it was recommended to me by our film teacher.
The first time I saw this movie, I liked it, but didn't quite understand it at first. But yet had I had a feeling that there was more to it. Thanks for explaining it for me. Now I can watch it again and really appreciate it much more.
My thoughts exactly. I thought it was weird....but I couldn't stop thinking about it. It scarred my mind to the point where I had to see it again. It was like I was programmed to hate it because of the expectations I have of movies, by that I mean that I don't want substance, I wanted action and a happy ending. yet watching it the second time like I needed to, I completely loved it. That alarm bell you get when the violence kicks in and the slow pace to the scenes in your first viewing aren't there. I understood the movie partially, like the elevator scene for example, But I never knew it was this deep as Chris has pointed out. I must watch it for a third time, been meaning to for so long. On a side note. I have to say about the masked scene. Rather than falling into his vision of a hero like Chris suggests, And savouring the moment...I personally felt it was something more self perspective. He had just killed the henchman in the elevator prior to this, and seen his best friend lifeless, and realised doing what he's doing, he's just lost the two most important people in his life...to me, he wants to be a better person, and stop killing, but he knows he HAS to (in Ryan goslings words) 'call upon his demons'...so I feel he wears the mask to act as the presence of someone else that bloodies their hands and not his, he's associating his 'demons' or his aggression with a different face rather than his own. it's like his way of stopping his hands from becoming dirtier just for this one kill. To save his conscious that one extra life he has to take. That's the way I see it. I guess the director wanted us to fill in the gaps with our own perception in some parts, I mean that is the idea of art isn't it, to bring out different interpretations. I mean I quite like how he leaves the drivers past to your imagination, whether he was some kind of hitman, that lost sense of what it is to be human through killing, or just a general criminal that is highly skilled. Terrific. I must watch this again. It's even got me into a different genre of music now that I never thought I would...and made me type an essay on RU-vid XD
I saw this movie like 3-4 months after it came out and my life was never the same after. Not only did it introduce me to my now-favorite music genre, Synthwave, but it also gave me an experience unmatched by any movie I’ve ever seen, before or after. I was 16-17 when I saw it, and every time I’ve watched it since, I learn something new about it. I was too young and stupid to truly appreciate it, but now as a 27 year old adult, I can see just how much of an absolute gem it is. I can comfortably say, this is my favorite movie.
10:22 I have to disagree with the notion that all Driver's previous crimes were smooth and successful. The scenes in the motel indicates that he has great experience with fighting, is vicious and great under extreme pressure. If all his missions had gone according to plan he wouldn't have been that skilled in those areas..since he seems like someone who would only plan a smooth hit. I think the motel scene indicates that he has a very violent past which he only recently has been trying to get away from.
totally agree, especially how calm and collected he was when confronting blanche with his own little charm to his interrogation by putting on his glove and what not.
I think he's actually the frog. The scorpion is quite literally on his back. He's the driver and carries criminals just as the frog carries the scorpion.
Agreed it makes so much more sense. Even in the first scene after the chase, once the job is finished the driver not only takes the jacket (the scorpion) off, the jacket is flipped so the scorpion is no longer visible. The criminals are no longer in the scene not even in the frame as he gets out of the car and walks away.
I sort of agree. However, he is also a criminal. He is two things at once; he is desperately trying to be the frog and, to some degree, he succeeds. But he is also the scorpion. He is the one that pulls on the jacket every day. He makes that choice.
Incredible Analysis as usual, Chris. You're a champ. I personally have a different interpretation of the scorpion/frog fable. It does make a lot of sense that Driver would be the scorpion, but I can't help but think that he's the frog. Notice how every time he wears the jacket, the scorpion is technically on HIS back? I think this is because, deep down, all Driver really wants is to live a wholesome life, despite the world he's found himself wrapped up in (the criminal underworld). Unfortunately, like the scorpion, it's simply not in the nature of criminals to let people walk away. Living a life like he does and associating with the dubious people that surround him, Driver can't avoid being stung halfway across the river. He simply couldn't escape the scorpion on his own back. Who knows if that's true. More than likely I'm reading too much into it and Driver actually IS the scorpion, but I just can't help but feel like the placement of the scorpion on the BACK of his jacket is more significant.
Still one of my favorite films of the last decade. Great script, great acting, awesome soundtrack. People who complained that there wasn't enough action.. go watch Fast and the Furious.. you wouldn't know a good movie if it bit you in the ass.
