UTTERMEDIA

What begins as a smooth, serene window into the seemingly comfortable life of “Driver” ascends ultra-violently into a colourful juggernaut of hard crime and effortless cool.

The main character, only referenced to by his profession, seems nonchalantly blasé about his work, his home and those around him. Initially, the only thing he has any essence of connectivity with is his vehicle. His drawn-out silences and wry smiles offer little insight into his past. His willingness to immerse himself in his love-interest’s hazardous situation offers some insight into what may or may not happen.

The Driver’s violence appears in short, horrific bursts. His driving calm and collected, whilst the city buzzes and glows around him and his passengers.

It’s not long until the nostalgically eighties score and Michael Mann-eque art-heavy shots fade away, to reveal the brooding underbelly of cowards and crooks – thrust upon you in a jack-in-the-box of blood, petrol and pace.

The characters you find yourself warming to are quickly excused and Driver, although showing occasional flurries of raw emotion, keeps his undisturbed exterior and retains a Steve McQueen semblance.

With the vivid night-time splendour of Collateral, and the audacious seedy law-free brashness of Narc, Drive is a supercharger for the soul. What could have been a car chase movie with tits and cash is beautifully crafted into a hommage to everything that you enjoy about a left-field action thriller with a truly stimulating pastiche of love and passion.

Day 1: “Favourite Film”

The Insider (1999)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9qCEEy2XcU

Not only my favourite film but this is by far one of the most incredibly orchestrated scenes in any modern piece. See also: my undying love for Russell Crowe.

Day 2: “Least Favourite Film”

The Happening (2008)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIQ21m1Ks08

Is it possible to have a ‘low’ in a career full of lows? M. Night Shyamalan continues to make abhorrent movies. And people say “that was alright actually”. No it wasn’t, it just gave you something better to do than garrotting yourself for 2 hours. The worst thing about this movie? It happened.

Day 3 “Favourite Comedy”

The Jerk (1979)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rVuZ0hJEyM

Steve Martin plays an idiotic white man born to a black family in “The Jerk”. I am hard pushed to find another actor (apart from perhaps Leslie Nielsen) who can pull off non sequitur, slapstick and classic gags in one comic episode. If you are human, this scene will have you in tears.

Day 4: “Favourite Drama”

Schindler’s List (1993)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwfIf1WMhgc

One of the most important films of our generation, and by far one of Spielberg’s best. I was shown this at a very young age in school, and it’s stayed with me ever since. Stern characters and harrowing realism. This film should be remembered for decades to come.

Day 5: “Favourite Action”

Heat (1995)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xbBLJ1WGwQ

Back when De Niro was De Niro and Pacino was Pacino. Mix two of the world’s once finest actors with an incredibly cinematic director, and you’re in Heat. The sound design in the gun fight scene is just rivetting. Crime has never seemed so seductive and stylish.

To be continued…