DRIVE Analysis: Exploring DRIVE: Film, Scene, and Character Study

This assignment provides an analysis of a specific scene from the film DRIVE (2011), focusing on the visual narrative, character interactions, and filmmaking techniques employed. The analysis examines a five-shot sequence, detailing the context within the film, the characters involved (Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan), and the significance of the scene. The assignment aims to explore the film's visual style, character development, and the use of cinematic elements to convey the story. The assignment is a film study and offers insights into the director's approach to filmmaking.

DRIVE (dir. Nicolas Winding Refn, 2011, U.S.), a moody, stylish, sometimes graphically
violent crime/drama, starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Bryan Cranston,
Albert Brooks, and Ron Perlman.
This sequence of five shots lasts roughly 30 seconds and takes place about 39 minutes and 23
seconds into the film. It is set in the main characters' apartment building hallway. Standard
(Isaac), having just gotten out of prison, is walking his son to take out the garbage, passing his
wife Irene (Mulligan) and running into their neighbor, the Driver (Gosling). Here are the five
shots in sequence:
Note that the first shot (above) is the third or fourth such shot of Standard (in a shot-reverse shot
sequence, which we'll learn about when we get to editing). I'm including the subtitle of one of his
lines in this shot, so that you'll more easily identify the first shot of this five-shot sequence.