In this segment of our Colossus Movie Guide for Drive, we delve into the significance of the film’s title.
Cast
- Ryan Gosling – The Driver
- Carey Mulligan – Irene Gabriel
- Bryan Cranston – Shannon
- Albert Brooks – Bernie Rose
- Oscar Isaac – Standard Gabriel
- Christina Hendricks – Blanche
- Ron Perlman – Nino ‘Izzy’ Paolozzi
- Kaden Leos – Benicio Gabriel
- James Biberi – Chris Cook
- Jeff Wolfe – Assassin In The Tan Suit
- Russ Tamblyn – Doc
- Andy San Dimas – Dancer
- Hossein Amini – Writer
- Nicolas Winding Refn – Director
Why is the movie called Drive?
The Act of Driving
Drive isn’t just a title—it’s a thematic emblem of the movie’s exploration of identity, purpose, human connection. On the surface, it refers to The Driver’s occupation as a Hollywood stunt driver and his moonlighting gig as a getaway driver. But the title’s deeper meaning explores the forces behind The Driver’s actions and the transformative journey they undertake.
The title is an embodiment of The Driver’s singular focus and purpose. His entire existence is defined by his role as a driver—it’s what he excels at, and it’s where he finds both purpose and anonymity. His superior driving skills are a metaphor for his journey through life: calculated, efficient, yet profoundly isolated. He is the embodiment of a man driven by his craft, yet paradoxically trapped within it.
The act of driving serves as an apt metaphor for the narrative trajectory and The Driver’s existential journey. He is a man of few words, navigating life much like the labyrinthine streets of Los Angeles he traverses: detached, meticulous, and with a relentless focus on the road ahead. In this vein, Drive signifies the protagonist’s relentless pursuit of purpose and identity.
What Drives Us in Life
The title hints at the raw, primal drives that underscore the movie’s more violent scenes. These moments, initially jarring against the backdrop of the film’s slow-burning narrative, remind us that beneath the protagonist’s stoic exterior lies an explosive capacity for violence. This is not violence for violence’s sake. Instead, it’s a visceral manifestation of his protective drive towards those he cares about, particularly Irene and Benicio. The juxtaposition of his calculated demeanor during his driving and his raw, uncontrolled violence reflects the dual nature of our drives, which can manifest as both creative and destructive forces.
Drive resonates with the theme of desire—the longing for connection, belonging, and love. The protagonist’s blossoming relationship with Irene and Benicio illuminates his longing for a sense of family and normalcy. Despite his life’s dangerous aspects, he’s driven by a profound desire to connect and protect. This drive, though it leads to violence and tragedy, is portrayed with an underlying sense of poignancy and humanity.
The title also encapsulates the broader existential journey of its characters. They’re all driven by something, be it ambition, survival, love, or redemption. The movie subtly asks the audience what drives them in their lives, reflecting on the roads we take and the detours that define us. A scene that beautifully encapsulates this is when the protagonist shares a tender, silent moment with his neighbor in the elevator before erupting into violence to protect her. It’s a pivotal moment that underscores his longing for connection and his brutal drive to protect.
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