By Jared Curtis jared@dmcityview.com

‘‘Drive’

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

Rated R, 100 minutes

“Drive” was easily the best film of 2011. The story follows Driver (Ryan Gosling), a man of few words who spends his days working in a garage and his nights as a wheelman driving escape vehicles. When Driver and his sad-sack boss Shannon (Bryan Cranston) decide to get into the racing game, they look to borrow money from the intimidating mob boss Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks). Driver ultimately falls for his neighbor (Carey Mulligan), but her convict boyfriend convinces Driver to help him in a heist. Soon, Driver finds himself with a bag of money and a price on his head. Gosling shines as the person who is just trying to do the right thing, but it’s Brooks who steals the show. Add in a searing soundtrack and one of the most beautiful/gory scenes to ever take place in an elevator, and it’s easy to see why “Drive” is a masterpiece. CV

‘The Driver’

Directed by Walter Hill

1978, Rated R, 91 minutes

Directed by the iconic Walter Hill (“The Warriors,” “Hard Times,” “The Long Riders,” “Southern Comfort,” “48 Hrs.”), “The Driver” would be the perfect double feature with “Drive.” The story follows The Driver (Ryan O’Neal), a wheelman who drives getaway cars for criminals. Although he’s been able to evade police, The Detective (Bruce Dern) is hot on his trail and waiting for him to slip up. Angry that he can’t catch The Driver, The Detective sets up a fake heist with some local criminals. The Driver catches wind of the set-up thanks to the involvement of The Player (Isabelle Adjani) and sets out to follow through with the plan, adding a few modifications. “The Driver” is a stripped-down noir film that features an excellent game of cat-and-mouse as well as some of the finest driving scenes of the ’70s. They don’t make them like they used to, so seek out “The Driver” today. CV