At the very top of the Hollywood leading actors tree, a level where A-listers spend their time, the levels of star power, dedication to the craft, and raw talent rise considerably. It’s within these upper echelons of movie stardom that we find actors who do not just take on roles but fully immerse themselves in them, inhabiting their characters in unique and brilliant ways. For many years now, there has been no doubt that Ryan Gosling belongs among this exclusive crowd. The now 44-year-old Canadian-born actor has evolved into a proper superstar of film.
Starting as a child actor with the famed Mickey Mouse Club, Ryan Gosling quickly transitioned into a full-fledged leading man as an adult. By 2006, he had already secured his first Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role in Half Nelson, eventually garnering two more Academy Award nominations amid a slew of other prestigious nominations and wins. While he has established himself as a heartthrob in iconic romance films, it’s easy to overlook what a dedicated and truly talented actor he is. Gosling’s array of amazing performances speaks to this, but there’s one film that showcases the immense effort he puts into his roles to ensure their authenticity for audiences. That film is Drive, released in 2011.
Drive is crafted in the form of a stylish neo-noir thriller, starring Ryan Gosling alongside a formidable cast that includes Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, Bryan Cranston, and Christina Hendricks. Gosling plays an unnamed stunt driver who moonlights as a getaway driver for criminals at night. His usually reserved existence takes a dark turn when he forms a bond with his neighbor, played by Mulligan, and her ex-con boyfriend, portrayed by Isaac. This relationship leads to deadly consequences when a heist goes wrong, creating a gripping narrative filled with tension and unexpected moments.
The film garnered critical acclaim, positioning Drive as Gosling’s highest-rated film to date, boasting a remarkable 93% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which even eclipses the likes of La La Land and Barbie. However, the story behind Drive is equally fascinating, particularly the special car that features prominently in the film. With driving playing a central role, Ryan Gosling was given the creative license to choose the vehicle his character would drive, even going so far as to procure it himself. Unlike lesser actors who might seek a flashy car purely for its appearance or status, Gosling’s choices were deeply rooted in authenticity.
In the end, he chose a beaten-up 1973 Chevy Malibu, opting to restore the car himself rather than select a more glamorous vehicle. As noted by Slash Gear, Gosling shared with Empire, “My character never has to talk about cars or do anything underneath a car, so it doesn’t really matter. But it felt important to me. And with every character you play, you have to find a way in. Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes you can’t really find the thing you need. But it’s important to me.” While he stopped short of working on the transmission personally, Gosling managed everything from the choice of car to its basic restoration, illustrating his dedication to authenticity.
His choice reflected the kind of vehicle he felt his character would appreciate, marking a significant element in the film. The 1973 Chevy Malibu became a pivotal part of the narrative, turning the car into one of the film’s stars in its own right. After the remarkable success of Drive, Ryan Gosling has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s leading men. The lengths he went to in ensuring the authenticity of his character illuminates why his rise was no mere fluke and highlights how much it has less to do with his attractive looks and more to do with his profound dedication to his craft.
Though ‘The Nice Guys’, a buddy comedy starring Ryan Gosling alongside Russell Crowe, may not receive the recognition it deserves, it further exemplifies the effort and commitment Gosling invests in every role. Scripted in a way that resonates with audiences, these actors stand apart due to their willingness to go the extra mile to create memorable performances. In this regard, it is often the behind-the-scenes efforts that elevate some projects from being merely good to truly great. Today, Ryan Gosling is recognized as one of our generation’s most respected actors, with Drive serving as a cornerstone of his impressive career.
Drive is now available to rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play, allowing audiences to experience the powerful blend of storytelling and authentic character portrayal that showcases Ryan Gosling’s dedication to his craft.
