Peter Hsieh presented at this year's CAAMFest his first feature film. “Drive All Night” is exactly what its title suggests. After writing several scripts and a long list of plays for the theatre, Hsieh created a thrilling and enigmatic story for the big screen.
The protagonists of “Drive All Night” are Dave and Cara. Dave is a taxi driver in a not specified American city. He works at night and seems to lead a simple, rather lonely life. His acquaintances are two other taxi drivers and the waitress at a diner. That Dave has a crash on her is evident. But something holds him back. Dave is on duty when he gets a call from a woman. She wants him to pick her up at her hotel. Cara is from the start a very brisk and straight-forward character. Therefore, she is actually exactly the opposite to Dave. Together they start a journey through the night that includes several stages. But Cara is not in a hurry to reach her destination. And Dave, at some point, resigns on getting to know which this might be after all. Cara's way challenges Dave. He is not used to be at the centre of attention. He does not often speak about himself and his feelings. However Cara seems to reach Dave's soul, even though they just met.
Who Cara really is remains a mystery. She is an expert in video games. But also in real life she deals very well with weapons. She is a fighter that doesn't loose. Moreover, she is direct and strong-willed. Her determination takes Dave with her. But where this aims to exactly, is not clear. Everything in “Drive all night” stays a bit blurry. Both Cara and Dave are projection surfaces for the viewer. His or her fantasy is stimulated here and inevitably needs to fill the gaps.
The Taiwanese-American director Hsieh dares to keep a variety of perspectives open. It's a risk, but also a chance to stimulate a wide range of emotions. The public gets some hints, but can never be sure of what he or she sees. The aesthetic follows that of a film noir. Since the story develops at night, only artificial lights are used. Neon lights of advertisements function as direction signs. On the pale faces, they leave their marks.
It's the story about beings of the night. Creatures that normally don't mingle with others. Individualists that appreciate their freedom, but still long for someone who sees them. For someone who understands them. For the lapse of a night, Dave and Cara find each other. It's a night full of first and unique chances. As time passes, Dave gains more and more self-conscience. But it's not clear if he will, at the end, have the courage to really change his life.
The film is based on the two protagonists and a small supporting cast. Lexy Hammonds who has the role of Cara is a British actress with a career in the US. She is known for her leading part in the Hulu series “Crazy love”. While she does quite well in “Drive All Night”, Yutaka Takeuchi as Dave is the point of attraction. He has Japanese roots but lives in the US. Till now he has been playing a series of supporting roles in big Hollywood productions. “Drive All Night” shows his charisma and presence on the screen.
A psychedelic and mystical atmosphere emanates from the pictures caught on camera by cinematographer William Hellmuth. Hsieh, who did the editing with Guillermo Areizaga, chose a quite fast pace to tell his story. At times, the viewer has the feeling to be part of a video game. The figures fit into a typical scheme of good and bad. Cara is the heroine that is been followed by a taciturn and somehow crazy man. The boss of the latter gives his instructions from the off and with a deep voice. Dave is the innocent pure-hearted bystander that gets involved.
The viewer needs to let go to enjoy the movie. There is no need to understand each scene and not necessarily a logic to follow. Beautiful shots of the night skyline and trips into the subconscious of the main protagonist will be worth the ride.
