Director: Isabel Coixet
Cast: Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Grace Gummer, Jake Weber, Sarita Choudhury, Avi Nash
LEARNING TO DRIVE
After an arduous 4 days in Darwin for an Irish Dancing Feis run wholly on Darwin time (my least favourite time keeping method), I dragged my sore and swollen body back onto a plane and fossicked through the film choices for something that I hadn't already seen.
Flicking through what I already knew was a sucky assortment of films from the flight up (I watched some random film I'd never heard of called RESULTS, don't bother people), I could not believe my good fortune when I stumbled upon a brand new release that I was hanging to see - LEARNING TO DRIVE. I was so very pleased, almost as pleased as I was to be seated across the aisle from some very attractive peen owners who bought me wine. You might ask why I would need a film to occupy my time, and I guess that is a valid question, but I like movies, and also talking to people for 4 hours across the aisle and disrupting the world is difficult and apparently frowned upon by the people in front of me (grumpy old codgers).
Anyway, I digress, I got that film on my trendy little airline in-flight entertainment ap, settled myself in across two seats and commenced viewing of the only film I hadn't seen, sans crochet because for the first time ever they made me check my hook (pests).
The first thing you might notice, is how incredibly white Ben Kingsley looks compared to all the other Indian characters in the film, but before you rage out about white washing, just remember that Kingsley is of Indian descent, and you may remember him from such other films as GHANDI where he played the title character. I have to say that although the difference is glaringly obvious, you should try not to let it detract from your enjoyment of the film.
Darwan and Jasleen at their wedding
image via Madman
Anyway, here's the deal, Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) is an upper-middle-class book critic whose marriage abruptly ends and she realises that she has to start doing all the things for herself, like driving. Darwan (Ben Kingsley) is a driving instructor/taxi driver who is in the country for political asylum. Their paths cross when Wendy leaves something in his cab and Darwan returns it the following day in his driving instructor car. Wendy decides to get lessons from Darwan and the pair share a journey of self discovery with chemistry that shines in this film.
Wendy learning to drive under Darwan's careful instruction
image viad Madman
Wendy has to figure out how to cope with life on her own following the realisation that if she hadn't been so focussed on her one true love (books) then her marriage might have survived. As well as that there is a little mother/daughter struggle that must be resolved and her incredible fear of driving. Darwan has struggles of his own to deal with, a family that want to send him a bride, the constant fear of religious persecution, harassment and abuse, and a house full of illegal immigrants that could be taken away at any point including his nephew. Darwan has a calm and focus that balances Wendy's neurotic and erratic behaviour, and he teaches as many lessons by speaking as not.
LEARNING TO DRIVE is a nice film. There's nothing to rave about and nothing to piss and moan about, it's just nice. There isn't anything new about this "two complete strangers find something in common" formula either. It's sweet, but it's a very stock standard storyline without many twists and turns along the way. The most interesting thing about this storyline is that it let's you believe that there is romance afoot for Darwan and Wendy.
I'm pleased to say that both Kingsley and Clarkson really shine in this film, the film itself isn't anything super amazing and magical, but the two of them are. It's high time that Clarkson has a film in which she can be the true star, and this is a role that she was made for. You don't see a whole lot of the supporting cast, but Wendy's daughter Tasha (Grace Gummer) and husband Ted (Jake Webber) are well cast and do a lovely job with the limited screen time they have. As do Darwan's new bride Jasleen (Sarita Choudhury) and nephew Preet (Avi Nash).
the little seen but well cast family of Wendy
image via Madman
It will appeal to the same kind of audiences that flocked to see THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, but it certainly doesn't have that same magic. I don't think I missed anything by watching this on my iPad via the snazzy in-flight entertainment ap, and I don't think you'll miss anything if you want to download this via Apple movies or other similar movie viewers, but if you're after something to take your Ma or Grandma to, then I don't think you'll regret spending the 20-something dollars on if you do go to see it at the cinema.
3 out of 5 stars
xoxo
The Blonde Bombshell
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