​FILMS

learning to drive

2015 review number 159:

Learning to Drive: (Comedy/Drama): 80 out of 100: Ben Kingsley came to the world's attention portraying Mahatma Gandhi in 1982 for which he won an Academy Award and he has been lighting up the screen ever since. He is a reliable character actor and he doesn't let anyone down with his performance as a Sikh driving instructor/taxi driver. Together with Patricia Clarkson, they bring warmth, humour and pathos to their respective roles, resulting in a sublime movie.

 

Darwan is a driving instructor during the day and a taxi driver at night. He encounters racial profiling even though he has been a US citizen for a number of years. One night, he picks up two passengers, Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) and Jake (Ted Weber), who argue over an affair he has been having. Jake leaves Wendy who is a successful book reviewer. Wendy's daughter Tasha (Grace Gummer) encourages her mother to drive so she can gain independence but she is reluctant to do so as she believes that Ted will come back to her and he is her driving escort. With Ted now out of the picture, she asks Darwan to teach her how to drive. They form a friendship, confiding in each other about relationships and other matters. Even though Darwan appears calm on the outside, he is experiencing marital woes with a recently arranged marriage with an Indian woman named Jasleen (Sarita Choudhury). Darwan and Wendy help each other to get their lives back on track.

 

There's a bit of melodrama but it's thoroughly enjoyable with the humour ensuring that it doesn't become overly sentimental. There are several topical issues like racism, arranged marriages and sexual dalliances brought up which also provide the basis of lengthy discussions. Therefore, not only is this movie entertaining but informative as well. The Indian culture is well-represented by the situations the characters find themselves in.

 

Kingsley and Clarkson have fantastic chemistry. It's easy to see why their characters are fond of each other. Their performances are realistic and ensure that viewers can empathise with them. They are well-supported by Gummer (Meryl Streep's daughter), Weber and Choudhury who ensure that this isn't simply a movie about two people talking to each other.

 

The scenes in the car are terrific for not only do we share in their exchanges but we also experience the streets of New York. The drive in the Queens neighbourhood perfectly contrast the crazy traffic of Manhattan. The location shooting adds an extra dimension to the film.

 

Learning to Drive is an unexpected treat that will please moviegoers who enjoy funny and serious conversations between well-developed characters. It's made all the more memorable by excellent performances by Kingsley and Clarkson.

 

Starring Ben Kingsley and Patricia Clarkson

(90 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, sex scenes, nudity and sexual references

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits we are in the driver's seat as we see a drive being taken along the road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IThfFYmEGEs (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Sunday 18th October, 2015)

 

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