Driven is a biographical drama directed by Nick Hamm, written by Colin Bateman, and based on the true story of the tumultuous relationship between car mogul John DeLorean and his business partner-turned-informant, Jim Hoffman. Released in 2019, the film stars Jason Sudeikis as John DeLorean, Lee Pace as Jim Hoffman, and Judy Greer as DeLorean’s wife, Cristina Ferrare. The movie blends real-life events with fiction and humor, focusing on the bizarre events leading up to DeLorean’s downfall.
Plot Summary
Driven is set in the 1970s and tells the story of the rise and fall of John DeLorean, the visionary behind the iconic DeLorean car. The film primarily focuses on his relationship with Jim Hoffman, a charming con artist and the man who would ultimately become an informant that played a crucial role in DeLorean’s legal troubles.
The story begins with Jim Hoffman (Lee Pace), a drug dealer and former car salesman, who is approached by the FBI to infiltrate DeLorean’s world in exchange for leniency in his own legal problems. Hoffman, who admires DeLorean’s larger-than-life persona, agrees to cooperate. As the two men develop a complicated friendship, Hoffman becomes deeply involved in DeLorean’s business, leading him to assist in setting up a drug deal that will eventually lead to DeLorean’s arrest.
At the same time, DeLorean (Jason Sudeikis) is struggling with financial troubles, trying to save his company, which is on the verge of collapse. He turns to Hoffman for help, unaware of his role as an informant. Throughout the film, the complex dynamic between DeLorean and Hoffman is explored, with Hoffman trying to walk the line between helping DeLorean while simultaneously betraying him to the authorities.
The film blends drama, crime, and humor, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the American dream gone awry. The story ultimately portrays the dramatic and surreal nature of DeLorean’s life, the risks he took, and the consequences that followed.
Main Cast and Characters
- Jason Sudeikis as John DeLorean: Jason Sudeikis plays the legendary automaker John DeLorean, known for creating the DeLorean sports car made famous by the Back to the Future film franchise. Sudeikis portrays DeLorean as both a charismatic visionary and a man caught in a web of legal and personal turmoil.
- Lee Pace as Jim Hoffman: Lee Pace portrays Jim Hoffman, the informant who becomes an unlikely and unreliable friend to DeLorean. Pace’s portrayal is filled with wit and complexity, as he balances Hoffman’s charm and cynicism.
- Judy Greer as Cristina Ferrare: Judy Greer plays Cristina Ferrare, DeLorean’s wife, who is caught up in the chaos of his crumbling empire. Greer brings sensitivity to the role, portraying the emotional impact the scandal has on the couple’s marriage.
- Corey Stoll as Federal Agent: Corey Stoll plays a federal agent involved in the investigation and eventual downfall of John DeLorean.
- Michael Chernus as James Hoffman’s friend: Chernus portrays a supporting role as one of Hoffman’s associates who is involved in the drug dealing operation.
Themes and Style
Driven is a film about the intersection of ambition, betrayal, and personal failure. It examines the risks and rewards of pursuing the American Dream, showing how the desire for fame and success can lead individuals down dangerous paths. The movie’s exploration of loyalty is central to the plot, especially as it focuses on the relationship between DeLorean and Hoffman, who both deceive and manipulate one another.
The film also highlights the absurdity of the events surrounding DeLorean’s downfall. The combination of high-stakes drama and comedic elements underscores the surreal and often ridiculous nature of the real-life story. The pacing and tone shift between suspense and humor, providing a unique cinematic take on what could have been a more straightforward crime drama.
The movie’s aesthetic is strongly reminiscent of the 1970s, with a visual style that captures the period’s fashion, cars, and the corporate culture that DeLorean was a part of. The use of colors, cars, and archival references to the DeLorean brand creates a nostalgic feeling for audiences familiar with the history of the car and its cultural significance.
Audience Reception
Driven received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While the performances, especially those of Jason Sudeikis and Lee Pace, were praised for their charm and complexity, some critics felt that the film’s tone and pacing were uneven. The balance between comedy and drama sometimes left the story feeling disjointed, as it juggled the absurdity of the situation with the real-world stakes of DeLorean’s criminal trial.
Despite its mixed reception, the film is appreciated for its quirky, offbeat take on a fascinating real-life story. Fans of character-driven narratives and historical crime stories found Driven to be an entertaining and occasionally darkly comedic exploration of a man’s fall from grace.
Conclusion
Driven (2019) offers a unique and humorous look at the rise and fall of John DeLorean, a larger-than-life figure in the world of automobiles. Through a mix of drama, crime, and wit, the film explores themes of betrayal, ambition, and the perils of achieving fame and fortune at any cost. Jason Sudeikis and Lee Pace shine in their respective roles, making Driven a compelling, if occasionally uneven, watch. The movie is a must-see for fans of biographical dramas and those intrigued by the bizarre and surreal history of John DeLorean’s life.
