September 16: Drive (2011)

Milestone Years

• 15th Anniversary: September 16, 2026
• 20th Anniversary: September 16, 2031
• 25th Anniversary: September 16, 2036

Inspiration Behind the Movie

Drive is based on the 2005 novel by James Sallis. Screenwriter Hossein Amini adapted the story, and Ryan Gosling personally selected Nicolas Winding Refn to direct. The film drew inspiration from 1980s crime dramas, fairy tales, and LA noir, blending a minimalist antihero with a stylized, synth-soaked underworld. The scorpion on the Driver’s jacket nods to the fable of the scorpion and the frog.

You Might Not Know

• Ryan Gosling personally restored the 1973 Chevy Malibu his character drives.
• The director used minimal dialogue to emphasize emotion and mood through visuals and music.
• The elevator scene was choreographed like a dream sequence with sudden violence to shock the viewer.
• The soundtrack became iconic, with tracks like “Nightcall” and “A Real Hero” defining the film’s tone.
• The film won Best Director at Cannes and launched Nicolas Winding Refn into international fame.

Food Ideas

• Late-night diner burgers and fries
• Scorpion-shaped cookies or cupcakes
• Electric pink and blue “synthwave” slushies
• LA-style street tacos
• Red velvet cake to symbolize the film’s bursts of violence

Ways to Celebrate

• Host a neon-lit Drive-themed movie night
• Make a playlist inspired by the film’s synth-heavy score
• Dress up in the iconic satin scorpion jacket
• Take a night drive through your city with the soundtrack playing
• Double feature with The Driver (1978) or Baby Driver (2017)

Filming Locations

• Park Plaza Apartments – where Irene and Benicio live
• Big 6 Market – scene where Driver meets Irene again
• Downtown LA – used for high-speed chases and heist setups
• Reseda and Sun Valley neighborhoods – used to show LA’s underbelly
• Staples Center parking garage – featured in an intense getaway sequence