Tag Archives: drive

The Place Beyond the Pines vs The Cool

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Before “epic” became bro shorthand for some major stunt or accomplishment, it was defined as “a long poem…narrating the deeds and adventures of heroic or legendary figures or the history of a nation.” The Place Beyond the Pines stands appropriately as a traditional epic, tracing the generational sins & legacies of fathers and sons. Starring Ryan Gosling as a heist man on two wheels this time, it’s the yin to Drive‘s yang.

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Nicolas Winding Refn – A Brutal Name to Watch

There are very few directors working today as in control of their craft as Nicolas Winding Refn. With his most recent film, Drive, Refn has had his most evident success yet, and probably his greatest work.  Yet Drive is bound to Refn’s previous work via its thematic material and similar cinematic devices.

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Drive is the coolest film of the year

Nicolas Winding Refn should be mandatory viewing for film nerds.  The audacity and craftsmanship of his filmmaking put him on par with the likes of Darren Aronofsky (see Refn’s Bronson), but with a sense of subtlety (Valhalla Rising).  Pair Refn with the magnetic Ryan Gosling (Half Nelson, Lars and the Real Girl) and a high concept heist film that co-stars Bryan Cranston, and you have an unholy concoction of brilliant variables unseen since the release of the Double Down (with less heart disease).  But this is far from an action film… Continue reading

Cannes 2011 Rewind

As The Filmsmith predicted, Terrence Malick’s nostalgic, personal epic The Tree of Life collected the top prize on Sunday at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. But the week was filled with upsets and snubs, directors lauded and thrown out, and a mysterious silent film that surprisingly was one of the most beloved films in competition. Here’s the rundown of what may have been one of the best festivals in years. Continue reading