James Sallis' "Driven"
In 2011, James Sallis’ book Drive was brought to the big screen by Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling. Upon its premier at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival, the movie received a standing ovation and Refn was awarded “Best Director.” Since then, Drive has become an instant cult classic, securing Refn as one of Hollywood’s hottest directors and officially proving Gosling as a lead tough guy.
Two months ago, Sallis released Driven, a sequel to his 2005 novel, which takes place seven years after Drive ends: “He is trying to suppress the violence – but the sequel shows the process of him accepting that this is who he is. He tries to become a normal person and re-invents himself,” says Sallis.
Sallis says that movie producers are loving Driven and that it’s definitely in the movie pipeline. The big question: Will Refn return to the director’s chair? After all, it was his blend of neo-noir, ultra violence and ’80s film-influence that made the original a unique experience. If Refn does return, we know that Gosling will be back; after all, the two have been inseparable since teaming up in the original Drive (the two are currently working on Only God Forgives and a Logan’s Run remake). Be sure and read the full interview with Sallis, courtesy of The Independent. Beware of spoilers regarding Driven. Also, be sure and check out our review for Drive.
Updates: According to Evening Standard. (via The Citizen), this is what Nicolas Winding Refn said about a Drive sequel: “That is never going to happen. But the character of The Driver might return in another film. We’re playing with that idea. We’ll see what happens.”
