Broad Green Pictures
Somewhere out there is a meme that says something like, “Life. It isn’t about the journey or the destination, but about the people who you meet along the way.” I can’t think of a more fitting summarization of the latest DVD release from Broad Green Pictures Home Entertainment – Learning to Drive, a charming film starring Ben Kingsley, Patricia Clarkson, Jake Weber, Sarita Choudhury, Grace Gummer and Avi Nash.
Darwan (Kingsley) and Wendy (Clarkson) form an unlikely but refreshing friendship as they maneuver along life’s many road blocks in this film, which was the winner of “Best Buddy Picture” at the AARP’s 15th Annual Movies for Grownups Awards. Wendy is a passionate literary critic going through a bitter divorce after discovering her husband of 20+ years has just left her for another woman and literary peer in Manhattan, while Darwan is a Sikh driving instructor by day/taxi cab driver by night who’s about to embark upon an arranged marriage to a bride from India whom he’s never met. While they may come from drastically different cultural backgrounds, it’s the overall human experience and being able to learn from one another that draws them together.
In an effort to come to terms with her newly found independence, Wendy decides it’s finally time for her to learn how to drive. A New York native her entire life, she’s apparently never needed to learn this particular skill set prior to now. However, after some emotional prodding from her only daughter who now lives on a farm in Vermont, she asks Darwan for his professional assistance after their chance meeting. It seems Darwan is a very patient teacher and keen observer of life. While he may occasionally scold her for making mistakes (especially when she accidentally rear-ends somebody during a storm), he does a far better job of teaching her to overcome her irrational fears about moving forward in life (and across symbolic bridges) than I think anybody else possibly could. I only wish someone like Darwan had taught me how to drive – perhaps I’d be more confident! Until it comes to parallel parking, that is.
The best piece of advice Darwan gives her is something along the lines of, “The driver’s biggest problem is everyone else. You can’t always trust other people to behave properly.” If that’s not the perfect metaphor to give a woman going through a divorce, then I don’t know what is. While she may not have any control over her husband’s mid-life crisis and infidelity, she can learn to put it past her and remain hopeful about the future. Just because he didn’t behave properly honoring her and their marriage vows doesn’t mean she should continue to punish herself over it. She learns she is far more capable than even she ever knew when she finally earns her driver’s license after much determination and perseverance. As someone who’s watched an aunt go through a similar journey and heartbreaking setbacks in recent years, I could relate to Wendy. Sadly, her story is not all that uncommon.
On the flip side of Wendy’s story is a fascinating look at a different culture as seen through the eyes of Darwan and his new bride Jasleen (Choudhury). I’ve always wondered what it would be like to marry a complete stranger and their strained relations pretty much reflect my feelings on the subject. It’s interesting to see how they eventually learn to relate to and genuinely care for one another, as Jasleen must learn to become more independent, venturing out of her quiet shell to do the things many of us in America take for granted, including going shopping and being able to communicate with others around us. It takes her a little while to make friends in temple and break down the language and education barriers in her way, but she is ultimately successful. And her husband learns to appreciate her for the unique jewel that she is (despite it feeling like he secretly yearns to be with somebody like Wendy at the beginning of the marriage). All in all, Learning to Drive is empowering in that it features two women learning to overcome obstacles to find their true selves and paths to happiness. What the world needs more of is happiness.
However, what I unexpectedly found myself enjoying the most about Learning to Drive was its inspired musical score that transported me into the mystic spiritualism surrounding the Sikh culture, including its beautiful wedding traditions. I rarely remember to check who composes what, but in this case, it was another unexpected surprise for me when I actually did. The music for Learning to Drive was composed by none other than Dhani Harrison (George Harrison’s son) and Paul Hicks. I’d have to say the gifted apple didn’t fall far from the tree, as Dhani is clearly his father’s musical prodigy. The music often sets the tone and feels like a welcomed secondary character in what was surprisingly a refreshing film that flew under the radar. The DVD doesn’t offer any bonus features except a nice photo gallery from the making of the film, but it’s definitely worth taking a look.
Share this post
