Drive

The question about Drive is why is it a masterpiece? The story isn't anything new in fact you can find both Driver and Thief to see similar plots. Drive is a testament though that execution can matter sometimes more than originality of the plot, especially when the originality can be found in that execution. Drive has a well worn plot yet never feels tired. This is in part due to the downright brilliant direction by Nicolas Winding-Refn which realizes scenes that have certainly existed before in ways one has never seen before. This can be a more overt way such as in the opening where he places you within the getaway car in the opening heist/car chase. A potential gimmick beautifully realized to create a visceral unique sequence unlike any other in the genre. Now as much as the direction excels within these breathless actions sequences this extends to any given moment in the film far beyond where you'd even expect. There is a mastery within this style that Winding-Refn makes even just a scene of day in the wilderness is something so captivating. As with so many of the all time great films it effortlessly melds this style, with character, and its simple yet compelling plot. No facet is lost in this and this is one of the films I'd describe as realizing the magic of film in a way. Every aspect of film so effortlessly is melded together from the cinematography, to the writing, to the great acting, the sound, and of course the incredible music. Winding-Refn is the star of this film though in how well he utilizes all of this together to make a masterpiece that could have been a fairly rote action thriller in the wrong hands. Take the elevator scene which I'd put with among the greatest scenes of all time, where the full power the visual medium can be seen. Not a word is said yet in its gorgeous lighting, precise action of the scene, the specific acting particularly from Ryan Gosling that conveys such an incredible emotional weight that makes the moment one of the most romantic in cinematic history, and one of the most violent. That scene is one of the reasons I love the film, but also why I love film.
5/5