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LA-set thriller from Nicolas Winding Refn. The story is pure pulp, the casting inspired and the soundtrack a source of deep joy. Bathe in its decadent beauty, says Mike Bartlett.

Remember when Michael Mann was good? The audio-visual euphoria of Heat? The gorgeous neon styling of Manhunter? Well, now that aesthetic has returned in the hands of – dare I say it – a much more intriguing and adventurous director.

Renowned for his Pusher Trilogy (though Bronson and Valhalla Rising are equally impressive) Refn channels the spirit of both '80s pop video and '70s existentialist action flick in his investigations of wounded loners, men of violence trying to suppress their instincts, twisted knight errants of the streets. The results are boys' movies for the thinking man, art movies for the adrenaline junkie, films that avoid the respectable and dare to be ridiculous. Star of Drive, Ryan Gosling, puts it best: “He doesn't censor himself.”

The story here is pure pulp – a getaway driver falls foul of the mob while trying to help his girl. Gosling makes a lot out of very little, and the casting of Albert Brooks as the avuncular baddie is inspired. But it's the images that you'll never forget; the soundtrack alone is a source of deep joy. Buy it and bathe in its decadent beauty.

 

Mike Bartlett on 8th December 2011
View all 17 of Mike Bartlett's reviews