Drive was released into theaters on September 16th, 2011. Filming locations include Canyon Country, Granada Hills, Los Angeles, Northridge, Reseda, Santa Clarita and Saugus, Ca. It was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Ryan Gosling played the lead of Driver. Two years later, Refn would again direct Gosling, in Only God Forgives. In preparation for his role, Gosling restored the 1973 Chevy Malibu in which his character drives in the movie. The film was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Sound Editing. I liked this film so much the first time I saw it that I took my then girlfriend at the time, to see it again later that same day. It features a stellar soundtrack with songs like A Real Hero by College, Nightcall by Kavinsky & Lovefoxxx and Under Your Spell by Desire. It also has a superb score by Cliff Martinez, with my personal favorite piece being Hammer. The films first DVD release was on January 31st, 2012.
Maestro DJ & Electronics - 1710 Naomi Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90021
At the time of my visit, it was AMS, a roofing supply company. Driver is parked on E. 18th St. facing west, as the heist is carried out.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Evading the police - Palmetto St. and Mateo St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90013
They're driving west along Palmetto St. toward Mateo St. Driver quickly pulls over alongside the Nate Starkman & Son building, also known as the Pan Pacific Warehouse. It was constructed in 1908. The structure can also be seen in productions like Color of Night, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, National Treasure, Repo Man, Rising Sun and Witchboard 2: The Devil's Doorway.
2020
Hiding under the bridge - S. Santa Fe Ave. (under the 6th Street bridge) Los Angeles, Ca. 90013
The 6th Street bridge was demolished in 2016, due to seismic-deficiency and deteriorating concrete. It had been there since 1932. A new bridge is currently being constructed and is scheduled to be finished in early 2022.
2020
The getaway - W. 11th St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90015
They're traveling north along W. 11th St. toward the Staples Center and the ESPN West Coast Headquarters building.
2020
Stunt rollover scene - 450 S. Bixel St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90017
(Los Angeles Center Studios)
The studio has been in operation since 1999. The scene takes place on Boylston St.
2020
Driving past the Hollywood Bowl sign - Highland Ave. and Pat Moore Way Los Angeles, Ca. 90068
Driver is traveling south along Highland Ave. I would like to thank Melanie Mullen for her assistance with this location.
2020
Big 6 Market - 550 S. Rampart Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca. 90057
Irene & Benicio are walking down aisle 2.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Driver & Irene's apartments - 607 S. Park View St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90057
(The MacArthur, also known as the Park Plaza Hotel)
The building was designed by architect Claud Beelman and built in 1926. In 1983, it was designated as City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department Historic-Cultural Monument #267. Countless productions have been filmed here over the years, some of which include Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), Hocus Pocus, The Mask and Stargate (1994). The scene were Driver calls Bernie Rose from the rooftop, near the end of the film, was also filmed here.
2002
Nino's Pizzeria - 11045 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, Ca. 91344
At the time of my visit, it was Vincenzo's Pizza.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Racetrack - 22500 Soledad Canyon Rd. Santa Clarita, Ca. 91350
(Saugus Speedway)
The 1/3 mile speedway opened in 1939 and closed on July 19th, 1995. The grandstands were removed in 2012.
2020
Shannon's garage - 8400 Reseda Blvd. Northridge, Ca. 91324
In 2017, the garage and surrounding buildings were all demolished and new structures have been erected in their place. At the time of my visit, the trees seen in the background, behind the building, were still visible.
2020
L.A. River - Between White Oak Ave. and the Orange Line Busway in Reseda, Ca.
In the first screen shot, the White Oak Ave. overpass can be seen in the background. When they park, they're under the Orange Line Busway overpass.
2020
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Diner - 25861 Railroad Ave. Santa Clarita, Ca. 91355
(Saugus Cafe)
The cafe has a storied history that dates all the way back to 1886. It's been at it's current location since 1905. Countless movie stars and even presidents have eaten there. I actually visited the cafe because a scene from Leprechaun had been filmed there. While inside, I was informed by Alex (an employee) that the diner scene from Drive, had also been shot at the location.
2020
Driver steals the Mustang - 4th St. and S. Boylston St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90017
The is along the north edge of Los Angeles Center Studios. When he takes off in the car he's heading northwest along 4th Street.
2020
Driver & Standard make deal with Cook - Near* S. Alvarado St. and W. 7th St. Los Angeles, Ca. 90057
(MacArthur Park, MacArthur Park Lake)
Originally named Westlake Park, it was built in the 1880's. In the early 1940's it was renamed after General Douglas MacArthur. When the lake was drained in 1973 and 1978, hundreds of handguns were found disposed of at the bottom of the lake. Around 1985, the park had become known for violence when prostitution, drug dealing, shoot-outs and the occasional drowning became common place, with as many as thirty murders in 1990. Also, if your goal is to get shit on by a bird, then MacArthur Park is probably your best bet. On May 1st, 1972 it was designated as City of Los Angeles Cultural Monument #100. The Scene occurred at the southeastern point of MacArthur Park Lake.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
Pawn shop - 17766 Sierra Hwy. Canyon Country, Ca. 91351
At the time of my visit, it was Elks Lodge 2379. The structure was built in 1967.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
The Great Wall Restaurant - 18331 Sherman Way Reseda, Ca. 91335
The ending, where Driver kills Bernie, was filmed in the parking lot behind the restaurant.
All "Now" pictures taken in 2020.
