Director Nicolas Winding Refn proves Denmark’s loss is America’s gain in his exhilarating U.S. debut, “Drive.” “Drive”

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan

Grade: A-

Director Nicolas Winding Refn proves Denmark’s loss is America’s gain in his exhilarating U.S. debut, “Drive.”

“Drive” revolves around a nameless Hollywood stuntman, Driver (Ryan Gosling), who moonlights as a principled getaway driver for criminals. He is a master of his craft, as demonstrated by the brilliant opening chase sequence. His driving is flashy, but outside of the car, he’s reserved.

Unfortunately, despite the initial speed, the playfully timid but overly lengthy courting of his neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan) downshifts the momentum of the film to a near-halt. Luckily, once her imprisoned husband returns home, the action reignites significantly.

Following a botched job, the meticulous Driver must unleash a path of vengeance to protect himself and the few he loves. Director Refn painfully documents every drop of blood spilled along the way.

From the pastel lighting used in the title sequence to the haunting synth-techno score, the film oozes 1980s. At the same time, it evokes a distinct ’50s film noir style. The end result is a deliciously dark tale of carnage in the wake of a man’s fight for anonymity, rivaled only by David Cronenberg’s “A History of Violence.”

Gosling showcases a far more mature side of his acting. Above all else, he exudes cool in the purest James Dean sense of the word. His limited banter only augments his achievement.

The strong supporting cast is led by Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad”) as Gosling’s crippled and scheming mentor, Shannon. Unlikely Mafioso Albert Brooks (“Broadcast News”) and far-more-likely gangster Ron Perlman (“Sons of Anarchy”) provide cold-bloodedness suitable for the movie’s tone. Ultimately, “Drive” reinvents the underused car-action genre while paying homage to the classics of the past.