The Driver - A Real Hero (Drive Analysis)

A Matter of Film studies the Driver from the movie Drive (2011) and how he became A Real Hero. Watch this Drive analysis for more!
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How do you introduce the main character of your film? You only get one shot at this and how we meet a character can define how we feel about him through the entire film. Just by the opening shot in Drive (2011) his apartment we learn so much about the Driver.
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[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you so much for your support in helping us reach 700 subscribers, guys. We really appreciate it. If you’re new to the channel, make sure to subscribe for weekly videos like this one. What do you think of the Driver? Did we miss something? Is there another character from a movie and/or T.V. Show you would like us to talk about? Comment below to let us know and see you next week!

[@xon2013]

You guys gained over 19k subs as of today, in 4 months. That's very impressive. Fastest growing KZbin channel I know of. Congrats.

[@miekkb]

wish i could be earlier....no regret though

[@copee2960]

Total movie, left me speechless and yea I loved The Driver With Ryan O'Neal.

[@amiracleone2803]

So funny the 700 subscribers. You blew up buddy. Why not make more vids? Do you need help getting content out?

[@oliverkoch9233]

Hey, just discoverd your chanel. Great stuff. Just one (maybe dumb) question: Where do you get the movie scenes for your Videos? Thanks and Greetz from Germany

[@nicolaimarquez2211]

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

[@mgarciav8140]

A+ right on the money. Such a bittersweet ending knowing he wont get with irene...

[@dashman8499]

Taxi Driver has portrayed loneliness the best IMO but this is amazing too. Gosling is awesome

[@seekn.destroy4064]

Anyone willing to do all that for a single mom is as lonely as they come

[@avishkarsingh744]

My favorite too. A classic

[@avishkarsingh744]

@@mgarciav8140 that's what a REAL hero is about, selflessness to protect Irene from his world, not superpowers

[@realghostboii]

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.

[@Avenzinho]

I K E agree

[@nathanfleur8067]

I agree so much. That's the reason why he helps Standard. As we say in France : "he is a good Apple". It means that he is wrong to help people cuz he can't win anything, just loose stuffs. We see easily in the film that's his empathy which is leading him to this. But, in a way, that's not what real hero does ? ;)

[@juanrangel8608]

nice one.

[@Ssalamanderr]

I disagree. I think Driver is the scorpion. He is a man of violence, and unable to escape that violence. He also lives by a code of honour that he cannot deviate from. We know he has a violent past, and his violent nature comes out as the film progresses. However his code of honour allows him to use that violence towards a good end (saving Irene and Benicio).

[@kanube2]

Maybe he's the frog AND Scorpion? OR maybe the writer wants each viewer to decide which one he is, like there's no wrong answer.

[@declanroberts8934]

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.

[@katemckellar4961]

I agree with you here. Additionally, I didn't see his violence as a results of his pent-up anger, but rather out of fear for Irene and Benicio's well-being. There's little else to indicate that he was actually just an angry person.

[@MarkyMatey]

@@katemckellar4961 He's a sociopath, but not a bad man.

[@emigrant1510]

@@MarkyMatey Sociopaths can barely even become caring of someone else. Driver (while not being a man of overt emotions) clearly cared for Irene and Benicio, and you could tell it was genuine.

[@monketstyling]

@@emigrant1510 I think both of their lives were like that concrete "river", when they met each other it was like the Oasis they drove to.

[@avishkarsingh744]

I agree with this. To add, he left the "dirty" money behind which shows he truly loved her selflessly and he is a genuine person, a REAL hero

[@rickregan5714]

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.

[@Peoples_Republic_of_Devonshire]

Agreed

[@Zibit21]

THIS!!! I'm starting to hate all these "only in his imagination" theories - both about the kiss and the ending.

[@robindro1961]

One shouldn't bother with realism too much, it's a movie, that's why the light can be dimmed, the time can be slowed down and things can be symbolic. For me the scene represents how much they long for each other and how close love and violence can be linked, wether the kiss really happened is irrelevant cause it's visual representation of how how both of them feel

[@emigrant1510]

Plus, when he gets back to kill the thug, he's left exactly in the position he was while kissing her. Any signs of this being some sort of fantasy would be more overt, with an editing clue of sorts, not like this.

[@danielbautista3176]

And that was the last time he ever saw her 😢

[@dashman8499]

HOLY SHIT I JUST REALIZED HE DOESNT HAVE A NAME

[@AA-bn7tf]

Peach Boy. He’s the driver.

[@thatsoneinterestingpfpyago2521]

Δ What can we say? He’s a real human bean.

[@oso-goodcinema848]

I thought I was just stupid and missed it

[@andyz3925]

Well at least he was called "kid" by Shannon, Bernie, Cook and Nino.

[@jackxish]

Me to ....

[@MrChopstsicks]

Most introverts understands the driver.

[@ano_nym]

Want a toothpick?

[@thatsoneinterestingpfpyago2521]

Mr. Chopsticks I think we can all understand him and his motivations to what drives his character in doing what they do.

[@Mikeystonet]

No they don’t.

[@brionbraziel7968]

Yes. I can truly relate...

[@lolllama1504]

I showed this movie to my friend who is a raging extrovert and he absolutely hated this movie, especially the pauses in the conversations. I absolutely love this movie though lol, and I flip flop between being introverted and extroverted

[@lorism860]

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

[@RAYMOND75600]

It was

[@amiracleone2803]

In his mind.... The kiss clearly never happened.

[@SinChi707]

@@amiracleone2803 what..

[@amiracleone2803]

@@SinChi707 watch the video you commented on does he not mention how he never actually kissed her in the elevator or was that a different vid I saw. Either way he never kissed her. The lights change when he imagines kissing her then go back to normal before he fights the bad guy.

[@lostcowboy2002]

@@amiracleone2803 There's no way for you to know 100% whether it was real or in his head. I believe it was real.

[@sunsetman22]

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

[@TheTowerDark]

sunsetman22 you sir,have proved yourself,too be, a real,human bean.

[@lookathatdingo335]

sunsetman22 Hi doggy

[@sunsetman22]

Hello there

[@layicorn]

I too, am a human bean.

[@zollothefat2444]

You’re a baked bean

[@cormacheffernan5861]

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

[@TheIntranetExplorer]

Took me back to the staring contest in the garage with the kid and I knew

[@jwgoon]

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.

[@user-nw4si3jq3w]

Producers are smart, they know Ryan gosling has a natural talent for playing lonely guys that can snap at any moment and watching him doing that is a thing of beauty

[@jwgoon]

@@user-nw4si3jq3w And he can amazingly act as Ken too 😄

[@utkarshsingh1.10]

and also the portryal of lonliness by both characters

[@MarekUtd]

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

[@NotYoDad482]

Frr Nightcall is a original movie soundtrack

[@Atari-di3go]

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

[@33brothr]

thats sick

[@gusfring8405]

Actually kind of a reach

[@tannerfishalow4238]

It worked

[@TheIntranetExplorer]

Benicio and the driver have a staring contest, the ending of the film took me back to that

[@joekerr265]

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.

[@memoranda1]

yeah but you're looking at it from Driver's perspective and not Irene's. Her husband just got killed and she is in such emotional state of distress that I doubt she's thinking about romance right at that moment. I don't think it happened at all.....just wishful thinking by driver.

[@valentin7693]

He was facing irene when he jumped the other dude, so yeah I think it was real. He also looks at them when they are about to kiss.

[@nilayanghosh9902]

@@memoranda1 well the thing with driver- as a school student when we sleep we see so much scenes in mind with crush. But we make it up. Nothing happens. They get happy, we get bad

[@treytilley333]

@@memoranda1 nah she was falling for him. She wish (with an over exaggeration) he called the police when she was sitting on the floor outside the party. Even though she was distraught and she knew he was trying to protect the family, even the husband… she wasn’t going to deny him the kiss because she is in love. That was his goodbye kiss, the lights changing was to emphasize this being the last time they will see each other. Once the lighting effects go back to normal the scene shows him turning around and kills the dude. There’s no good reason to turn his back to him just to have a staring contest. It being imaginary makes him look like a weak romantic which is absolutely not the vibe the director was going for before that scene and after. It doesn’t fit at all. The lighting effect tells the viewer this is the most powerful scene of the movie and not any of the violence.

[@rickeyshearin1781]

Ok like I'm mad late lol buuuuuuut I'm here to say the kids is real. When he talks to her one last time on the phone, she touches her lips remembering the kiss they had.

[@BunnySlippers82]

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.

[@infobahnpirate9713]

Prob my favorite film of all time!!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Infobahn Pirate Nice!

[@marbarosi]

Good thing I bought 1950's Henley from this film. I like its honestly the last one out there. Might sell it oneday

[@TheTowerDark]

This movie is right behind t2,et,and bladerunner. Top 5 in my entire life for sure.

[@huraxdax_2467]

I can see why this one is among your favourites

[@avishkarsingh744]

Best movie of all time, my humble opinion

[@nomad2768]

Such an underrated movie. Loved it!

[@avishkarsingh744]

I think it's the most underrated movie of all time

[@johncharlton199]

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

[@_..-.._]

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.

[@oliverjohnson2570]

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

[@sirmagnifico04]

One of the best films of the 21st Century

[@avishkarsingh744]

More like simply the best. Period. Awesome movie.

[@marioranteri8775]

@@avishkarsingh744 nah

[@39PSIOnTheDaily]

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.

[@kylecrumbaker328]

man thats an amazing analysis.

[@claysichorror6013]

I never got the impression he was obsessed with driving

[@AK-hl4vg]

literally took me two years to understand this movie/character and out of every explanation (apart from the one in the video) this makes the most sense

[@jnojr740]

I’m so late to this comment but this was by far one of the best analyses I’ve seen on this movie but to add on further The ending perfectly backs your main premise here’s how: On one of the last scenes after he was stabbed sitting in the car. It’s prevalent that the director uses lighting in a way to tell the story and as symbolism so in this scene while driver is seated, the rising sun sets a bright tone seen outside the car. Which can symbolize how he’s found more meaning to life outside of driving, to add on to this further the song playing in the back keeps repeating the line “real human being and a real hero” which represents how once again driver found meaning to his life.

[@criztu]

you have to go deeper. Holywood makes certain movies that illustrate occult doctrines. just like in Bladerunner 2049, Gossling plays the Destroyer, Apollo of revelation 9:11 he has to unite with his "twin" who is Diane, the enchantress. Anna Stelline in Bladerunner2049 'Irene' means "peace", she is with a boy. that's "Mary+Jesus". cinema is the new medium for all kind of churches. 'Bernie' means "hardy bear" - this is another symbol for the destroyer, the beast. the "Ursa major" - the Arcturus, star of the north. So Gossling has to pass through test, he has to face the beast, the destroyer, to be able to unite with "peace". This is the final stage of the magnum opus, the reunion of the principles in rubedo - redness, which is baptism in blood. the hero has to go through death to come to life, stuff like that. The most difficult task in infusing movies with these doctrines, is to make a profane story to match the occult symbology. This is where most of these movies fail. This is also why Drive fails. No sane man would claim that the best thing that happened to him was to take care of another man's offspring...

[@danielbautista3176]

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.

[@MrPink12345]

Human bean*

[@nihaalsandim9986]

Not really hes a grey area protagonist hes jot really a hero byt thats what makes him so real and relatable cux good people in this world have to do terrible bad shit .and thats why hes a perfect representation of what a hero in our messy world is .

[@danielbautista3176]

Nihaal Sandim Nice! Driver is the best hero ever!

[@linusbrier1614]

sorry to shit on your favorite character but he's terrible

[@chrishandsome4267]

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

[@avishkarsingh744]

I feel exactly the same about this movie and his character. So many people want to be like the superhero and macho type showing superiority but what I like about his character is that its about selflessness and humility, what a REAL hero is truly about

[@cpex2005]

Suck him off already !!! Do you secretly have a man crush and a raging hard on for Ryan Gosling? Laughs!!

[@Rainwen1die]

@@cpex2005 yeah

[@cpex2005]

@@Rainwen1die :-p

[@unseen575]

Probably my favorite film of this decade.

[@Sevfin]

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.

[@rafiabbel1795]

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

[@AMatterofFilm]

Rafi Abbel Thank you! A Matter of Film is a new channel, but we will continue to upload quality essays like this one every Friday for you guys :)

[@tommyross7529]

We’ll help you guys get there!

[@spacedoutcowboy9298]

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

[@Noah-pq8rv]

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.

[@danielaltamirano9290]

I would also love to see what you think about La La Land! 😍

[@AMatterofFilm]

The Ryan Gosling thing was just a coincidence, for real (he's great) :) Thanks! Those are some pretty good choices, we'll keep them in mind.

[@vinzanity4751]

United states of leland

[@weezerfanatic5320]

Once you watch Drive, you get caught up in a bunch of Gosling and Gosling - esque performances. I watched The Place Beyond the Pines, Blue Valentine, and Bladerunner 2049 all almost immediately after watching Drive.

[@tanyaserrao6105]

@@weezerfanatic5320 Same

[@McDoodle44]

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

[@MrSHOT321]

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.

[@tommyross7529]

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!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Hey Tommy! We're glad you're analyzing our analyses :) As always thank you for your support !

[@marduk1734]

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...

[@LDBCFC]

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

[@gameofpwns1165]

Funny I actually have thought of that myself, in part due to the fact that the elevator takes like 3 minutes to go down 4 floors lol. But ultimately I think that the lighting change and time dilation are simply meant to draw us into his emotionally-heightened experience of the moment, and that it did in fact happen.

[@NO-em5si]

the director: I did it that way because it looked good

[@jachymmichal]

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.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Jachym Michal Thanks so much! The Driver is one of cinema's great characters :)

[@dimitriisov1262]

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.

[@anne-louisegoldie]

And contrasting with the nasty way he chose to kill Cook, whom he disliked.

[@brendaoldenkamp9735]

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.

[@RodgerYoung2024]

Love you brenda

[@tetsuj1n6153]

Your son is the best of this world! I hope we will learn some lessons to be on his level

[@brendaoldenkamp9735]

@@tetsuj1n6153 Thank so much for telling me that.

[@taasinbinhossainalvi9173]

Is your son named Chad?

[@Scorchy0]

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

[@CT9wasmyhandle]

What a shortsighted thing to say. We fight our own nature all the time, we just aren't always succesfull at it. You ever had any tendencies to do do something morally wrong? Did you do it? If not, you succesfully fought your own natural impulse. We do it all the time.

[@tannerfishalow4238]

@@CT9wasmyhandle its natural in a world like this, a world where your influenced when you enter it and become a product of it, everything and all things within our world are interconnected and strung by the actions of the influenced, the truth is it isint natural, the world makes it natural , the masses and all the thoughts connected throughout history repeating itself with nothing gained. Nothing in this world is natural besides the truth

[@CT9wasmyhandle]

@@tannerfishalow4238 What a pretentious way of saying absolutely nothing.

[@tannerfishalow4238]

@@CT9wasmyhandle which is everything around you besides the truth

[@tannerfishalow4238]

@@CT9wasmyhandle you just couldint understand so that’s all you can say

[@NEUR0MANCER_]

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.

[@yhsa]

Drive also shaped my character... Isnt it ironic that we have all the religious texts to guide us in life, but movies like this are doing more to help young people like us to be a better human bean.

[@casual_villain]

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.

[@Leo-wk5uo]

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

[@danielbarrero8665]

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!

[@AMatterofFilm]

Daniel Barrero Thank you!!

[@donruizhoogcarspel360]

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

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks man! Welcome to the channel.

[@jonatane5374]

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

[@PackersFan9411]

This breakdown and analysis was pure gold, thank you.

[@MelMUFC99]

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 KZbin 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.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks Paloma! It'd be great to hear your opinion in our other videos. Welcome to our channel!

[@EyebrowCinema]

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

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks so much, Daniel! When are you uploading again? Can't wait for your next video, the one you did about Chinatown is criminally underrated.

[@EyebrowCinema]

My pleasure! And thank you for your kind words. As for my next video; I just recorded the audio for a top ten films of 2017 video. I should have that out in a few weeks (just before the Oscars at the absolute latest). I'm currently in Grad School and as such my time for working on videos goes down dramatically each semester, hence the slow output.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Whatever you do, don't stop uploading. Good luck in school, man. Your videos are great.

[@EyebrowCinema]

Thank you! That means a lot, especially coming from a channel which produces content I greatly respect. I definitely don't plan on stopping anytime soon. To be blunt, this shit is fun.

[@Meyaz64]

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

[@favourites1491]

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

[@kayjay5349]

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.

[@KillBill2114]

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.

[@jackspedicy]

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

[@luc1d356]

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

[@puffytacoxxv]

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

[@Apontheon]

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.

[@VLONESOLIDER]

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

[@Kolapot]

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

[@markkickmark]

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.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Couldn't put it better! Thanks for stopping by :)

[@faroukelysian660]

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

[@AMatterofFilm]

Wtf Farouk. Haha thanks bro!

[@danieletorellaphotography]

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

[@shrekisdead]

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

[@JorgeTorres-tl7vo]

The ending was fantastic with the drivers voice over.

[@brandoneickhoff542]

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.

[@youghrajrana5745]

This is the best analysis video of a movie I have ever seen so much depth and detail and also Thank you for the story of FROG AND SCORPION

[@evanabbott2737]

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

[@jakobweber3754]

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

[@AMatterofFilm]

Definitely one of the best movies of the decade!

[@happinesshotel5375]

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

[@jaskaran-ll3xk]

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

[@loganiza_]

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

[@carlosm4516]

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

[@ahmadrahimkhan]

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

[@everupward594]

Excellent! Wonderful movie, and great essay. Thank you

[@GB58389]

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

[@Clukay404]

He's literally me

[@BrokenBeats94]

Oh man I fucking love Drive

[@prateekmahakul8155]

I just fainted on the tracking text sequence in beginning. Fantastic after effects work

[@SirJamesDTech]

Awesome analysis. I've seen this film many times and you gave me a lot to consider.

[@LivSaysNonsense]

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.

[@G5.Giotto]

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

[@darkchild130]

I absolutely love this film, and your analysis of the character.

[@tommyross7529]

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

[@krystalp9856]

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.

[@DaveTrippin]

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.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thanks man!

[@yukizboy3046]

This is my fav film analysis on youtube... such great presentation with the music and video clips and fonts and everything. Even though I think you may be over analyzing stuff... like when he says that his hands are a little dirty he just probably means that his hands are a little dirty because he fixes cars all day and his hands are greasy... like under his fingernails and stuff.

[@rossjohnux3594]

You did a fantastic job here! the first movie I bought on blu ray disc lol I always watch this for Ryan Gosling's character. He's stoic yet there's emotion I love it

[@notdaredevil1965]

Your vídeos are so awesome,so pure

[@miongskie]

Delightful! Having this videos let me rethink of how to evaluate movies in general and be more sucked into its madness, its meaningful madness! Thank you! Please do Fight Club, Clueless, Groundhog Day and Matrix (Yeah, 90s)

[@AMatterofFilm]

Sal, we're so glad you found our channel. Thank you for watching our videos :) Don't be afraid to let us know how we can improve!

[@brunomunemassa8266]

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

[@aristotlevaltersen1296]

Thank you for your video, dude. I’ve really enjoyed it.

[@ahmadtrip4623]

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

[@chrischan2555]

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.

[@AMatterofFilm]

Great viewpoint!

[@jamesmorgan3212]

Excellent analysis. I think it’s a incredible film . One of my all time favorites.

[@jackxish]

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

[@kooma7190]

Congrats on your 700... uh, 39-THOUSAND subscribers!!!

[@JayKhwaja]

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?

[@jamoyky1]

dude, great framing at the end there, and some great editing bro!

[@krakensaurus]

Editing on point, great video. You sir win a new subscriber!

[@mooncake1223]

I absolutely loved this video and I love the film thank you

[@AMatterofFilm]

Thank you! It's a great movie :)

[@--Nemesis]

Loved the movie. One of my top 5. Great analysis!

[@x_ask616]

lomaniize Same fella, Drive is one of my favourite films too, is such an underrated jem, a masterpiece.

[@zurisadaiRj98]

I´ve made an oral exposition at my University and I´m really Shocked because of your video. Except that "Elevator theory" (that really impressed me), we´ve talked about the same points almost in a same order, but you have made the video first and I didn´t watch it before of doing so.... MAGICAL CONNECTION! I wish I have recorded that exposition, I´ll miss that special moment when I told my classmates about the film hahahah but anyway, well done I have loved this video so much and these are the kind of videos are what Nicolas Winding Refn deserves ;)