Drive

Imdb synopsis: A mysterious Hollywood stuntman, mechanic and getaway driver lands himself in trouble when he helps out his neighbor.

Oh, how I love thee. Let me count the ways...

Your soundtrack is ridiculous. I could (and did) listen to this all day. Especially when driving through LA. Because I hate driving through LA and you make it bearable.

Your lens flare. So tasteful. So clean. So "this is how it should be done, J J Abrams"

Your cast. Ryan Gosling is concise, quiet, forceful and gritty while still maintaining a measured shyness. Christina Hendricks is all 'tude and desperation. Bryan Cranston tugs on your heartstrings not just because of his limp, but his over-eager, can't-get-it-right attitude. Carey Mulligan and her quiet loveliness- how can her eyes say so much?

Your production design- a study in simplicity. Jewelry is simple, Driver only has a few outfits (under the iconic scorpion jacket) and the cars are less about the outside and more about the experience in the cab.

Your car-chases. Because your director DOESN'T EVEN DRIVE so why should we make a car commercial when you're really trying to tell a character-driven story (Michael Bay...)?

This movie was a huge influence for Mr. E's thesis Ganas, and upon re-watching (this is our third or fourth time now) you can totally feel the same tension when you see similar shots in both movies.