shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me three times, and I’m just a damn fool.
Last night started as an unassuming evening with friends. Adam and I went to a movie with another couple. It’s one of those places where you eat dinner in the theater and enjoy the creature comforts of home, plus a big crowd and jacked-up prices. Adam’s roommate suggested the movie and it was one I had never heard of: “Drive. ” All I knew was it starred Ryan Gosling (Hunk Face) and it was a recent release. Clearly, only skeletal knowledge.
I look normal, right? WRONG.
After the first scene I thought I had the formula figured out: the Driver (Gosling) is part mechanic, part getaway driver and after the first successful evasion from police, the rest will fall into place. After the first three murders I decided that, perchance no, I don’t really know what’s going on here. What ensued was a blood-bath to the highest degree. I’m talking like, I spent the entire movie in my own armpit to try to avoid anything related to the film. Did I mention that we ate a huge meal beforehand? I’ll spare the spoilers (’cause I know you are just chomping at the bit to see it now), but needless to say it was not what I was anticipating, which in fairness, was not much.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened to me. Several years ago I went on a double date sort of thing with my sorority sister Ann. Two dudes wanted to take us out on a school night and I may or may not have pressured her into it. The guys didn’t tell us the movie until we got there: “The Departed.” Hmm, not exactly what I would call a charmer. Clearly we were just arm candy because the real focus of the night was on the movie. Of course, “The Departed” is a great movie. I suppose I would have liked to be a little more prepared for it. Just sayin’.
muahahahaha
The next time this sort of shock and awe occurred was shortly after I moved home from Switzerland. I was home for three days when my friends Elizabeth and Beth wanted to go see a movie. Not having been exposed to trailers I had no idea what was playing. My friend Elizabeth said, “Hey, do you want to see ‘Black Swan?'” And I asked, “What’s it about?” And she says, “Ballerinas.” And I’m all like, “Sure!”
So, yes, going into “Black Swan” I’m thinking it’s going to be “Center Stage’s” cousin. What I got was a much darker, scarier, twice-removed relative that no one really speaks of. Again, “Black Swan” is a terrific movie, albeit a little disturbing. But, yet again I was caught unawares.
What I can say about “Drive” is the music was fantastic. Really great eighties synth with good rhythm that had me grooving for a bit. The music is where I peaked, however. I just can’t get into the heavy gratuitous violence, which I understand is really cool for some people. No judgment.
I guess I’m a fool. I happily agree to see just about anything, unless it has the words “saw,” “bonecrusher,” “corpse,” “paranormal,” or anything along the same vein. Next time, though, I’m doing my homework.
Ryan Gosling photo courtesy of cinemovie.tv
Natalie Portman photo courtesy of fearnet.com
A Broad At Home 