"Drive," He Said

 - from Susan

Looking for inspiration for this post, I closed my eyes and let my mind drift for a minute. Suddenly, Matt Damon appears in a thrilling scene from the first Bourne film, from a Robert Ludlum novel, when he and the bewildered girl he hooks up with are flying down a road in her little car. So I think movie scenes might be my topic. But can I remember enough to share with readers? It’s a long shot but I start by Googling “great driving scenes.” I’ll probably have to tinker with the search terms before I get to anything halfway to my needs. Wrong! The only problem I have is which of the first six URL links – several with video – I’ll pick first. (I love Google, but that’s another topic.)

 However, I realize pretty quickly I’m out of my depth – I’ve never even heard of most of the movies mentioned, and my choices are driven more by plot and character, I think, than by pure driving skills. In any case, here are some of the most memorable scenes for me. It’s a short list, though, like my memory. If you have others, or wish to differ, please weigh in!

1. The Bourne Identity

2. The Bourne Ultimatum

3. Thelma and Louise (yeah, I know, this drive doesn’t end well)

4. Vertigo (hey, I recognize that street!)

5. The Italian Job (both versions)

6. Knight and Day (so far over the top it was fun as a spoof of car chase scenes…and of the star’s high degree of self esteem)

I’ll add one TV show: Nash Bridges, and that’s partly because a friend’s car was used as a prop in so many episodes that it became like a small side business for a couple of seasons. Don’t ask me what make and model, but if someone’s really interested, I’ll check and post the answer.

Note: Bullitt with Steve McQueen was mentioned on every site I visited. I never saw the film, but I should name it since it’s obviously one of the most memorable to people who pay a lot more attention to these things than I do.

 

 

 

Comments

[Mysti]

Put down the mouse and go rent Bullitt. Fast forward to the chase scene. First off, it's San Francisco in the last era there was parking! Second off, it's car ballet! Third off, well, I always had a soft spot for Steve McQueen. But mostly it's the car ballet.

The opening of Quantum of Solace has car stunts that had me riveted...

I'm crazy about driving. Even crazier about car stunts, so thanks for these!!!!

[Michael A. Black]

Susan, you've never seen Bullitt?!! I second Mysti's suggestion to rent it ASAP. It's one of those classic McQueen films and Robert Vaughn, fresh from his Naploeon Solo days in The Man From UNCLE, is fabulous too. McQueen's response to him at the airport right before the climax is worth the price of the rental.
Mike

[Susan C Shea]

Okay, Mysti and Michael. There's no way I'm going to ignore such emphatic advice. Bullitt goes to the head of my Netflix list immediately. Thanks!

[Camille Minichino]

Less dramatic, but very evocative for me, is the scene in A Bronx Tale, where Chazz Palminteri is driving down a city street in reverse, his arm over the back of the seat. Brought back memories of Revere, MA c. 1950

[Staci]

Susan, I just saw Knight and Day and spent half the movie saying, "Oh, stop, that's not even possible!" with a big smile on my face. That movie has some great chase scenes. And Dark Knight has a good chase scene with the Batmobile.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go add Bullitt to my Netflix queue...

[Terry Shames]

Phaedra, overwrought (grin) 1962 retelling of the Phaedra myth with Anthony Hopkins in love with his stepmother, Melina Mercuri. Car scene unparalleled.

Dude, Where's My Car?

White Castle

[Susan C Shea]

Camille, I'm definitely adding A Bronx Tale to my watch list. It reminds me of the indie Native American movie that we loved a few years ago, where the young man's car only drove in reverse! Can't think of the name, but it's a sweet film. And a friend just FB-ed an addition to the list: Vanishing Point. Terry, Phaedra with a car scene? Sounds strange. Must investigate. Anthony Hopkins drove a dune buggy thing with a sail in a movie recently - remember it, anyone?

[Susan C Shea]

Looked it up online: "Smoke Signals" (1998) delightful, memorable film about young Indians, one of whom drives an old car that only works in reverse gear. Highly recommended, not for the car per se, but for that wonderful indie sensibility and freshness.

[Ann]

Thelma and Louise has always been a favorite of mine... although you're right: the final "Drive!" doesn't end well.
Off to add to the Netflix list!

[Tyra Shortino]

Oh, I love the movie "Knight and Day!" Ashton Kutcher was super hot back then. The movie had that action-comedy vibes that thrilled me! Which scene is your fave?

[Susan C Shea]

Wrong hunk, Tyra - Tom Cruise was the more-super-than-superhero in this one!