The Driver - A Real Hero (Drive Analysis) 

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I've never seen such loneliness as the one Ryan Gosling transmits in this film. One of my all time favorite films.

Gotta disagree. He is portrayed as a real hero, however not in this way. At the end of the film he left the girl to protect her, feeling his presence would endanger her, and that his actions had made her hate/fear him that kiss was a goodbye, killing that guy was his final act of protection. And he left her after that, believing she would hate him, or worst of all fear him. So he never returned but, instead of fearing, and avoiding him she went back to his apartment at the end, the driver left not realizing she still wanted him back. The character's true heroism is that he left her full stop. He didn't try, and get her back, he didn't try, and apologize he just left, because love is not marrying, or being with someone, it is doing the best you can for them, which can mean leaving them. Which takes true courage, and strength. Both values of a hero.

I felt like Driver was the frog, carrying criminals, or driving them, always getting dragged back to crime. Crime being the scorpian, and that's why he has the scorpian on the back of his jacket.

HOLY SHIT I JUST REALIZED HE DOESNT HAVE A NAME

Not crazy about the imaginary kiss theory, mostly because you nail the look they share. They realize they will never be together, but Driver figured this out a littler earlier when he saw the gun and knew he'd have to reveal himself to protect her. That kiss was a goodbye.

I think the kiss on the elevator was him saying goodbye to her...

I loved the scene after he stabbed Bernie and sat in the car and we are wondering if he’s dead or alive. They set up with Benicio that the driver is good at staring so you think he’s alive for a bit but the scene keeps going and then you think he’s dead. And then when you are convinced he’s dead he blinks. Such a great moment. So well set up and such great payoff

I just realized how similar Ryan Gosling's character in Blade Runner 2049 is to his character here in Drive. Both start as emotionless beings just doing their job but end up becoming real people and real heroes through their choices that they encounter as the story progresses.

You sir are a real human bean, and a real hero

This is an underrated movie. They made the right choice having the opening song be Nightcall by Kavinsky

Most introverts understands the driver.

In the beginning of the film, Benicio wears a mask and Driver says "Scary" I think that alludes to later in the film when Driver wears a mask to scare Nino

Great analysis. However, I always felt that the elevator kiss was real, but the effects (the dimming of the light and all that) represented that it was a a moment out of time. A single moment that would be etched in his heart forever because he knew what he had to do and that after that moment would be the one where he had to say goodbye.

Driver risked his life to save Standard, knowing he would never get to be with Irene and Benicio as a family, which was his deepest yearning. It vindicated him in a way, whereas the whole world would look at him like a shark, a criminal, but inside was a love so pure and selfless most people never experience it.

I just want to point out the clear theme of loneliness here. This guy has no name, no family, no friends, one bedroom apartment and no backstory. This film is the story of a man with nothing in his life and is quite possibly in a state of extreme sadness. He had nothing to live for but then found it and was willing to do everything to protect it, even if that meant leaving it. This is a message to the viewer that no matter how lonely you are today, you will eventually find meaning

The atmosphere in this film was a chef's kiss in terms of film making. The soundtrack, cinematography, and minimal dialogue is just perfection.

Prob my favorite film of all time!!

Someone on IMDb said that the Driver, played by brilliantly by the memorable Ryan Gosling, is the frog; like how the frog is eventually drowned because of the scorpion's nature, Driver is eventually "drowned" because of the criminals he helps. Note how the scorpion he wears, which is emphasized repeatedly throughout the film, does not represent what he is, but rather what he carries on his back. We can then deduce that Driver's true nature is, in fact, good (for lack of a better word), but dragged down by his surroundings.

One of the best films of the 21st Century

Such an underrated movie. Loved it!

I think it’s a great movie, however, I strongly disagree with your analysis. I think you’re putting far too much of an emphasis on the drivers feelings, when in fact, he’s strongly disassociated with society and his own personal feelings. He does what he has to do in order to facilitate his survival and his passion for driving. When he meets the girl, he realizes that there’s more to life than just driving. He finds reason to live through her, and reason to feel motivated. His desire to protect them not only stems from his love for her but also for his desire to retain the feeling of meaning and purpose in his life that he’s found through taking care of her and her child. As the movie carries on, the emphasis becomes less and less about protecting her and more and more about doing what he perceives to be the right thing by protecting his purpose within protecting the woman and child. By the end of the movie, he leaves despite a lack of reconciliation and loose ends with her, not because he’s running from villains (of which there are none left) but because he’s finally realized that there is more to life than simply driving and existing. His pent up rage is more due to his subconscious fear of losing the entire newfound reasoning that he’s found in his life. He’s not angry. He’s just scared. Scared of losing her, sure... but equally so, scared of losing that feeling of being beneficial to someones happiness and safety. I think it has weight to take note of what Shannon says to Irene at the garage when she brings her car in for repairs: “You know, he walked into my shop here about five or six years ago, right out of the blue asking for a job. So I put him to the test to see what he could do. The kid's amazing. So I hired him on the spot. Boom! At about half the wages I normally pay. The kid didn’t bat an eye. I’ve been exploiting him ever since...” So it was clear from this statement alone that the driver took the job merely to exist and have access to facilities and tools to work on his car. That was his purpose prior to her. He was likely a serious introvert, perhaps depressed, and saw no point to his life beyond that until he fell in love with her. The moment he fell in love with her was the moment he started to fall in love with life itself. In leaving her, he made the conscious decision to put her happiness and safety ahead of his own, despite his own personal attachment. *This* is what made him a hero.

One of my favourite characters #1 The Driver 2nd favourite: The Dude - Big Lebowski The Driver is the best hero. He doesn’t have superpowers. He’s not Captain America, Spiderman or Batman. He’s a human being. A real hero.

This movie started my love for film. It was the first movie character I ever wanted to truly be like in real life. Such an underrated, beautiful, captivating movie. 10/10 for me

Driver is one of the most underrated films of all time. It is a true masterpiece and remains as one of my favorite movie openings of all time.

You really need to get more views man, the final editing scene is purely good

Probably my favorite film of this decade.

Gosh I love your guys’ work! The final image collage you did with this episode in particular was so fricken choice! Driver starts red far left looking backwards stuck in his life of crime & ends shaded blue far right looking into a new world freed from his criminal ways! You take masterpiece films, you highlight their mastery BUT the way you go about highlighting their genius is in and of itself masterful in terms of sheer artistry, creativity, musicality, choice of scenes used, editing, attention to detail! This is quickly becoming my favorite channel!

I love this comment section. People with so many different interpretation of one film. That's what you call ART.

legends say, that true ending was cut out and switched with +- happy end. The Driver looks in the mirror and realizes that somebody is in the car, on the backseat. -Who are you? -Look at my face. We've met before...

The kiss defo did happen, you see her touching her lips in remembrance during their last phone call. And the lights during the elevator are symbolic, references to yin and yang, the light and the shadow. Driver's face is cast in darkness.

"I can't fight my own nature, but its in my nature to fight." Us humans are truly paradoxical creatures.

"700 subscribers" 6 months later.... It's 40k now 👍👍👍

My oldest son Morgan is very much like the Driver. He is very serious & doesn't always show his emotions. Also like the Driver he has a code of conduct that he adheres to. Always standing up for those who can't fight for themselves. Being kind & generous to good people. For his code is a yin & yang. One cannot excise without the other. That is the secret of his power.

Thanks for this insightful analysis. I've always felt the driver's character was somewhat complicated, but just couldn't put my finger on it. Also, really great work on the editing.

I never thought of the elevator kiss as his imagination. Good video man.

Nobody online seems to mention Bernie's knives, the razor he used on Shannon was different from all the others, a razor isn't designed for combat, it meant something, he was killing a friend. He says no more pain, and tries to comfort Shannon. I like to imagine each knife had a purpose for killing a type of person, we never got to see the one he used on driver but it wasn't the razor because he stabbed him instead of slashing.

Let me guess your next 5 videos, La La Land, The Nice Guys, Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl, and Blue Valentine. I'm just kidding. But having Blade Runner 2049 and Drive back to back makes it seem that way. Great videos and a video about The Nice Guys and/or La La Land could be cool if you still want to do Ryan Gosling movies.

i believe the kiss on the elevator was real and to him thats what it felt like, we saw it from his perspective but in reality it could have been a 2 sec kiss

I HATE what the internet has done to this movie. Nowadays everyone just associates it with the whole “literally me” thing and assume the only reason the movie is popular is due to that. Which sucks because this movie is genuinely a modern masterpiece.

0:35 the voice, the timing, the music, the editing, narration, the cinematics in the first 10 seconds gained you a sub mate

The scene where Irene comes back to his apartment, I feel, is also a key factor towards their relationship. Whether is her desperation or her true affection showing it further adds towards his longing to become a hero which can be affirmed by that very scene. Adding onto the already melancholy and static nature of it when you hear the phone call and witness him driving into the night with eyes fixated on the road and not looking back. This can be interpreted as him coming to terms with all that has happened, but without the reassurance of him actually seeing himself as a hero. Though we know what he has done, it is by the ending shot that you can see Driver's lack of knowledge that we know him to be, a real hero.

This is one of the best videos I ever saw on RU-vid. You deserve A LOT more Subscribers. Keep going and thank you!

Occasionally I come back to watch this video, especially the last part.

He's literally me

Oh man I fucking love Drive

The ending was fantastic with the drivers voice over.

Great video! Lots of good insight and editing here, this has already become one of my favorite film essay-related channels. Keep up the awesome work!

Hard disagree with the analysis of the elevator scene's kiss. I believe it's actually the pinnacle moment where his desire for that normal life meets his acceptance for who he truly is. That kiss is his last chance to be with her in any capacity, and he knows it. He is quick to take the risk because that is how destabilized he is by his feelings. The entire shot is designed so that her face is illuminated while his is in shadows, and his body angles to be more of a shield, but by doing so we get a full view of the scorpion on his jacket. The desire and the truth are eclipsing and the moment he pulls away, it's over. He can never be with her again. That's why, when he turns back around and she's outside the elevator, he stays inside and Ryan Gosling did an excellent job of emoting with his eyes there. Driver's eyes are begging for forgiveness, but he doesn't dare speak or move towards her. The elevator doors shut right after this moment, as he shuts the door on the possibility of love.

Got that true detective and Grand theft auto vibe with the music 🎶 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 wow

I think the kiss does actually happen. One main clue is that the moment they snap back to reality, the driver is facing Irene. So he is leaving his back to the hitman. In all of the scenes with Irene and Benecio, the portraits are dreamlike. The slow motion, the music, etc. Those moments are who the driver wants to be, but he understands later that those are just dreams for him, and his life would never be like that. The same for Bernie’s conversation with the driver shows. He tells the driver that Irene can leave and have a normal life, but the driver can never have it, and will always have to look over his shoulders.

Man I love this movie, I remember the first time I saw it in the theater, I was captivated to say the least, a culmination of a dream I didn't know I had until it was fully realized on screen. See I love Blade Runner and everything it has influenced and that influenced Blade runner, and this movie had what blade runner, had, an almost melancholic depressant drug of endorphins shoot through youre brain, hypnotizing you and bringing out this wave of peace and wonder. I wanted to be deckard, I wanted to be the driver, which imo make up two of the greatest movies of all time. Well 2 of them, there are others, but Drive is right up there, it changed how I looked at everything. It changed me into the person I am today. Great job man, but one thing you have to remember is NWR wanted to tell a fairy tale, an urban fairy tale that took place in los angeles. When Driver kissed her, sure you can say it was a dream trigger, a moment that could only exist in drivers mind, but imo, it happened. But it was a display of what the moment felt like for both of them, like the world fading away, that in that moment, they were the only two people on the planet. Because Ive been there, when you are kissing a girl, and everything fades out in youre mind, and it becomes almost like a dream.

This is a bit late but I felt like the driver was both the frog and the scorpion,with his violent and dangerous nature being represented by the scorpion on his back and the frog being his initial friendly demeanour and love for irene,he knows before any meaningful human interaction that his dangerous lifestyle and yet very kind nature is constantly at risk of losing its precarious balance and as a result he is his own own kryptonite following the superhero motif

This video has earned you another subscriber. The Driver is one of my favourite fictional characters of all time & this is a great analysis of this iconic, complex character. The fact that I rewatch the opening scene on RU-vid almost every day has paid off, as I would not have discovered your excellent video if it hadn't have shown up on my 'Recommended' list. I look forward to working my way through the rest of your videos.

When I watched the movie I liked to believe that the driver always knew what he was doing. He had a lot of secrets that we dont have the chance to explore. The mystery of his character really makes the movie that much more intriguing. I could say he always had a screw loose, or you could infer that going all out like this is a first for him. I think that he just used the kiss to confuse the guy and also give Irene a last goodbye because he knew she would always be in danger with him. The driver is one of my favorite movie characters.

The Driver was someone that may have appeared simple natured but at the same time complex minded due to the lifestyle he was leading, but ultimately found redemption after meeting Irene and her sweet son. He felt compelled to save them as he knew he couldn't live with himself if any danger was to come to them?

Just a thought... What if Driver is the frog and Bernie is the scorpion. The scorpion is on drivers back just like the frog. And driver doesn't sting himself, the sting is Bernie ( literally stabbing him ) or Bernie's mob family (Nino ) destroying his life and dragging him back into the criminal underworld.

I think you nailed the main points. I too question the elevator scene, due to the lighting change, etc.. I do think he imagines the kiss and he is starting to see himself in the image of this new hero persona. Kissing her like that would have been a romantic image of the hero. However, the scorpion comes out and he shows his violent traits. It is a great great movie.

This breakdown and analysis was pure gold, thank you.

5:06 Freaking Epic. When Drive came out....It was a real Revelation for me. The sound, the look, Refn.... the Pusher Trillogy... Ryan. Thank you! I will rewatch it soon!

damn dude - this is high quality. love the observation that the "kiss" didn't actually take place. also love the description of the scorpion and the frog...so true about not being able to escape our true nature, but wanting to think otherwise.

My favorite movie ever. Good analysis too. I relate to this movie.. not in a sense that I am a closeted criminal, but that I feel disconnected from the outside world. I've tried to get close to others and be more normal, but usually fail or mess it up before anything gets anywhere.. This movie is therapy for me.

This much of precise editing shows your love towards cinema🖤 These videos are beautiful....it was a cute moment when you said thank you for 700 subscribers

I love this movie and the way you Analyze it perfectly captures the story and the emotions it convey. Great video all in all!

Nice video, man. In fact I'd say this is your best yet. Very well-argued and with some slick but unobtrusive editing.

I think he puts on the mask because it was the face of the hero in the movie he was doing stunts for. He wants to be the hero but can only wear the mask, he can never really be the hero underneath.

That final edit at the end was beautiful! Great video!

Man, this was awesome!!! I love this film. One of my all time favorites. Great work

He's just like me

I can’t stop watching drive analysis. This movie has sth new every single time

Hi Man, this is my favorite movie ever and your video is just amazing! Thank you so much for it. I'm really in love with your videos and I hope you'll continue to share more of them! Congrats

lots of amazing and underrated symbolism in this movie

Literally me

Excellent character analysis. One of my favorite themes in any movie....

That final wrap up is so FRICKIN ARTFUL! I can’t even TAKE IT!!!!

yo this analysis is so good and your voice is so mesorising

I remember first watching this movie It was so good too me I haven’t watched it in a couple years I’m about to watch it tonight now

Gosling should earn OSCAR for this role. Refn did a great movie where the plot is so addictive. I identify my attitude with his attitude. He's my hero whatever it takes.

The summary of every nice moment for the Driver as the elevator door closes was pure genius !

The edit on this video was really good and i enjoyed watching it, keep up the good work guys.

Bro wtf this is a great essay, one of my favorite movies characters ever, keep up the great work.

Thanks so much for us reaching 700 subscribers. Now he’s at 101K Congratulations! 🎈🍾

This is my favourite film. The music/score and the shot are just wonderful and awe-inspiring. Very terrific indeed.

Nicolas Winding Refn, Ryan Gosling and the music made this movie pure art

Great vid man and if I heard at the beginning of the video you've started relatively recently. Well done and good luck on your continued growth.

Your vídeos are so awesome,so pure

Thank you for this new insight , I watched the movie yesterday and now I understand it under new light. Very cool video 😊

I loved this movie. every aspect of the movie. from the music to the plot to every detail in this movie, just pure perfection.

The beating in the elevator didn't demonstrate the Driver's true persona, it was only the dark side Jung called the shadow. Some men can tap in and out of as needed to protect the people they love while still being able to keep that ugly violent world separate from the sunny parts of their life.

Shutter Island and why it is criminally underlooked by the award season 500 days of summer: the modern masterpiece of romcoms silver linings playbook: how great acting makes you feel eavesdropping

Drive is part of the few movie that are simple and efficient at telling a story

A very underrated movie. I stumbled on this movie one night and couldn't stop thinking about it days after easily in my top 5 of all times

Amazing content man! Keep it up Greetings from Mexico!

Your analysis of the mask is very similar to what I always understood to be the case, which is that the mask allowed the Driver to create psychological distance between who he wanted to be on the inside, and the violent things he must do to protect Irene, since these violent acts also separate him from her forever. Thus by donning the mask, in a way he can excuse himself from the violence, and instead foist culpability onto the persona of the mask.

This is one of my all time favorite movies, and this was a great analysis.😁👍

Love Drive... He's like a city cowboy... Really wish they would do a sequel

Notice how the gangster didn't mention leaving the kid alone? only the woman, he told driver what he wanted to hear.

You just earned a like and a sub!

I have always viewed the kiss as the one moment of pure bliss for The Driver. He knows who he is. He knows what he is involved in. He also at that very moment, knows he is not where he is to be able to grasp on to that life he longs for. The kiss... is real. It is the moment where he could be meeting his end, that if he does, he just wants to feel that connection... that spark, that he has probably never felt, and may never feel if he doesn't go for it. It is the looks Driver and Irene share that prove it was real. The look of a woman who is completely taken aback, but this man, who was so tender towards her and her son... even her husband... this man who she had feeling a for, just performed such a gruesome act. This man... who has always wanted love, to feel something, to have something to lure him away from his nature... seeing eachother for the brutal first time... with no pretense... and the core... his eyes. They say, "Please don't be afraid...", and her looks says, "Who even are you?". It is so tragic and heartbreaking. And even though, Driver may love Irene... and she may feel for him... he has to make the hardest choice... even after killing (potentially) the last person who knows who he and she is... he decided to play it safe and leave her, out of concern that, being involved with him, could be the end of her and her son.

Bravo on this amazing video! This is my favorite movie so to see a video this indepth about it amazes me, Keep it up!