Not every film has to be a blockbuster. Sometimes a small, low key, independent film can charm you just as much, albeit in a different way, than any Hollywood spectacle. It’s even better when Hollywood mainstays, Patricia Clarkson and Ben Kingsley, will take on roles strictly based on a good storyline and interesting characters rather than the paycheck. ‘Learning to Drive’ is a story of an unlikely connection between two people who could not be more different and how each provides support for each other as they stumble through trying times in their lives. These are two people we care about finding their way through the world.
After a painful divorce, lifetime New Yorker Wendy (Patricia Clarkson) decides it’s time to learn to drive. She enlists the aid of Darwan (Ben Kingsley), a Sikh immigrant who works as both a taxi driver and driving instructor. While Wendy struggles with her divorce, Darwan faces his own relationship issues as he is about to meet is arranged bride for the first time. Wendy’s life is one of solitary upper class white privilege, while Darwan lives one of communal immigrant family responsibility. Their lives couldn’t be more different or awkward when they first meet, but both provides perspective into each others lives that help them see their own more clearly. The chasm never disappears, but their fondness and respect for each other grows as each realizes the travails of each other’s situation.
Like I said, this is not an ‘exciting film’. It rolls out at a leisurely pace and one is not always sure of the direction. It is a character study of intersection. It shows that there are joys and triumphs as well as sorrow and tragedy in everyone’s life regardless of station. This film explores that there is a common ground for connection by being human even if there is nothing else relatable. We feel pain for Wendy as she struggles to accept her husband of 20 years has moved on to a younger woman, while we feel empathy for Darwan who struggles to connect with a bride he doesn’t know or understand. They commiserate in their relationship challenges during driving lessons. Each are in pain and turmoil, but each demonstrates it differently. Wendy’s high strung emotional volatility stands in stark contrast to Darwan’s calm and patient reserve. Darwan teaches Wendy centeredness while Wendy gives Darwan an insight to love and acceptance. The two grow as people and a friendship forms that neither expected.
I don’t know what else I can say about this film other than it is worth your time. I can find many things to pick apart about this film regarding pacing and even dialogue, but the overall sum of the film makes me just want to focus on the positive. Diversity is interesting, but commonalities in diversity is even more interesting and this film is a study of that. Don’t go expecting a wild time or a laugh riot. Just relax and enjoy getting to know these two people and how they affect each others life.
I give this film *** stars
