In addition to working as a mechanic and stunt driver, the unnamed protagonist (Ryan Gosling) of Drive also works as a getaway driver for anyone who needs it, instantly making him a classic anti-hero, given his highly questionable morals. So, what makes him heroic? Well, he develops feelings for his neighbour Irene (Carey Mulligan), and attempts to help her troubled husband Standard (Oscar Isaac) pull off a heist to save his life. Things naturally go south, and when an assassin attempts to kill Irene in an elevator, the driver brutally stamps the guy's face to pieces, but rather than express gratitude for saving her, Irene is thoroughly disgusted instead. In his own mind, Driver may be "a real hero" (as the movie's iconic tune says), but in reality, he's actually a brutal thug who just so happens to do the right thing on occasion. In addition, the fact that Gosling's character is so vague and mysterious only adds to his anti-hero status: we never learn his name or much about him, he doesn't speak much throughout the film, and so is decidedly more stoic and introverted than a typical hero, even if he does save the day in the end.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
