Mise-en-scene: Drive - Points of interest for a presentation

The opening credits of Drive (2011), directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, establish a distinct tone
and aesthetic through meticulous mise-en-scène, blending neo-noir and retro sensibilities. Here’s a
concise analysis focusing on key elements:


Lighting and Colour Palette: The sequence is bathed in moody, low-key lighting with a neon-drenched
palette of pinks, purples, and blues, evoking an 1980s synthwave aesthetic. The nighttime Los
Angeles setting, with its glowing cityscape, creates a sense of urban isolation and danger. The use
of high-contrast lighting, especially in the Driver’s car interior, casts shadows that emphasize
his enigmatic, stoic persona.


Cinematography and Framing: The camera work, by Newton Thomas Sigel, employs slow pans and static
shots, creating a contemplative pace. The opening overhead shot of LA’s grid-like streets, paired
with the Driver’s methodical navigation, establishes his control and precision. Close-ups of Ryan
Gosling’s face, often in profile, highlight his stoic expression, while the framing of his gloved
hands on the steering wheel underscores his meticulous nature.


Set and Props: The Driver’s minimalist car—a 1973 Chevy Malibu—serves as both a functional tool and
a character extension. Its retro design aligns with the film’s nostalgic tone. The sparse interior,
devoid of personal items, reflects the Driver’s detached, almost mythic existence. The city itself
acts as a secondary set, its sprawling, impersonal layout reinforcing themes of alienation.


Costume and Performance: Gosling’s iconic satin scorpion jacket is a visual centerpiece, its bold
design contrasting with his reserved demeanor, hinting at a hidden intensity. His minimal dialogue
and deliberate movements in the opening chase sequence convey a man defined by action, not words,
setting up his archetype as a modern-day samurai.


Sound and Music: The mise-en-scène is amplified by Cliff Martinez’s synth-heavy score and the use
of Kavinsky’s “Nightcall.” The pulsating electronic music syncs with the visuals, creating a
hypnotic rhythm that underscores the Driver’s calm-under-pressure mindset and the film’s
retro-futuristic vibe.


Overall Impact: The mise-en-scène crafts a world that is both stylish and foreboding, introducing
the Driver as a mythic figure navigating a morally ambiguous urban landscape. The careful
integration of lighting, framing, props, and sound establishes a cohesive aesthetic that primes the
audience for the film’s blend of quiet intensity and explosive violence.


This analysis draws on the visual and auditory elements observed in the sequence, consistent with
the film’s broader stylistic choices.