Drive

[Celini]

Loved this film. The soundtrack is great!

Isn't it just! Anyone have info on its release?

The soundtrack was available on Amazon on the day of its official release (27 Sept) and became out of stock the same day! If you don't mind not having a hard copy, you can still b*y it through ITunes... there is also some less legal ways...

[Jayman]

Finally saw "Drive" tonight, & I'm fairly certain I'm the last person to have caught this from you lot. Watched it at West India Quay. For once, there was no incompetence from the ushers or projectionists. I guess they reserve that kind of ineptitude strictly for the free screenings.

Anyway, onto the review. Many spoilers below in case you haven't seen it yet.

The movie was a bit of a mixed-bag for me. I had a look at everyone else's opinions before posting my own and what I can agree on is that it's definitely a meeting of arthouse cinema with mainstream action...but it's also a shameless exercise in style over substance. Visually, it's amazing! A visceral feast for the senses. The camera angles, the colours, the long-shots, the relentless action sequences...sheer cinematic perfection! I didn't find it boring in any sense. Yes, it is a "slow-burner", but it felt more like a homage to the Michael Mann thrillers of the late 80s & 90s. Even moreso taking into account the synthpop soundtrack and the opening titles (the last time I saw that much purple was in '89 on "Miami Vice").

The problem is that I didn't care much for the plot. I'll admit I was riveted throughout, but I really wanted to know more about the characters & I was literally salivating for an epic conclusion..which I didn't get. Also, once the blood-letting started, there seemed to be no end to it. I even found myself playing a guessing game as to who the next victim was going to be, and in what stylish manner the director was going to 'off' them. On the subject of violence, f**k me, some of those scenes were intense! I never EVER jump in the cinema but even I couldn't help but hop out of my seat when Standard got shot. (BTW Wtf kind of name is Standard? Did they just conveniently give him that stupid name so Carey Mulligan could make her dumb joke?) The elevator scene too was disturbing stuff. I don't know which one was worse: seeing Ryan Gosling's brutal stamping on that guy's head, or realizing that he'd suddenly become Travis Bickle.

Performance-wise, Ryan completely stole the show, though I will admit that I felt awkward during each and every one of his pregnant pauses. I understand why his character needed to be carved in such a mysterious, quiet manner but it was still terribly unnerving. Also, I really wish Bryan Cranston could've gotten more airtime. He's so damn brilliant in "Breaking Bad", it saddens me to see big screen directors not taking advantage of his versatility. As for Carey Mulligan, not surprisingly, she sucked. In my humble opinion, she got lucky with "An Education" and she'll been riding the coattails of that until the end of time.

I also notice you guys commented on the soundtrack. Indeed, the music was stunning! Almost, but not quite as stunning as Daft Punk's magnificent work on "Tron Legacy".

So overall, it was a pretty decent movie. A visual delight, but with absolutely nothing underneath.

I'd give it a 7.5/10.

[elski]

"Drive-Thru" (official movie trailer)

[angelina_ballerina]

This was such an awesome film in terms of cinematography. The light was superbly done. The way the harsh but warm mid afternoon LA sun streaked through the motel where Christina Hendricks got shot is fantastic. The way that Ryan Gosling steps out of the shadows in to the beam of light... so well thought out. Then there's the elevator scene, still haven't figured out how it was lit to come across as so dreamy. Any cinematographers/DPs out there who want to contribute/explain/enlighten?

[Thomo19]

Can't believe this got so sidelined from Oscar. One of the best from last year with definitely the best soundtrack. Great film - and very grateful to SFF for the Free showing of it too!

[stuartboy]

Has anyone noticed a similarity between the soundtrack of Drive and Will Young's latest single? Has it been sampled I wonder? Maybe just me. I did like Drive, didn't you know!

[Flabber]

Can't believe this got so sidelined from Oscar. One of the best from last year with definitely the best soundtrack. Great film - and very grateful to SFF for the Free showing of it too!

I completely forgot about that...

I actually missed out on the freebie but finally managed to get around to watching this and boy was it a feast for the eyes. Visually stunning and brilliantly thought out. As has already been mentioned, more art-house than Hollywood mainstream and thank goodness for that.

It was quite eerie with the long pauses, the lack of dialogue but I think this adds to the suspense and tension on screen. The violence was pretty brutal and I think that adds to the mystery of the main character… who is he, where did he come from, why is he so mental?

Brilliant 9/10

[stuartboy]

Can't believe this got so sidelined from Oscar. One of the best from last year with definitely the best soundtrack. Great film - and very grateful to SFF for the Free showing of it too!

I completely forgot about that...

I actually missed out on the freebie but finally managed to get around to watching this and boy was it a feast for the eyes. Visually stunning and brilliantly thought out. As has already been mentioned, more art-house than Hollywood mainstream and thank goodness for that.

It was quite eerie with the long pauses, the lack of dialogue but I think this adds to the suspense and tension on screen. The violence was pretty brutal and I think that adds to the mystery of the main character… who is he, where did he come from, why is he so mental?

Brilliant 9/10

I concur.

[jeanelle]

There is a new scene in town folks and it’s called ‘Whiskey & Words’. Put together by Jameson,Whiskey & Words offers a unique setting for book and film lovers. The series of events will showcase some of the hottest authors in intimate settings where they will read a passage from their own book followed by a Q&A. Oh and there will be drinks too

Combining cult film and cult literature we think Jameson, are on to something here, and it is a great opportunity to fire a few questions on some pretty epic books.

The first one is with cult author James Sallis who wrote Drive and will be talking about the sequel, Driven – no word on whether Mr Gosling will star yet but perhaps that could be our question! The first one takes place Monday 28th May at the Brick Lane Bookshop and the series runs for three months with a different author each time.

The evening will be hosted by singer, poet and The Book Club Boutique’s producer, Soho's hippest literary salon – Salena Goddens. DJ’s will be spinning music and you are invited to pop along for the evening and enjoy some Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktails.

The ‘Whiskey & Words’ sessions will be open to public with seats attributed on a first come, first served basis by emailing whiskeyandwords@gmail.com. If you fancy heading along then drop them a line soon as places are limited!

Monday 28th May 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Brick Lane Bookshop, 166 Brick Lane, E1

[stuartboy]

Ooooh! Trip to London. Trip to London. Trip to London? Wanna.