Driver 23 was originally released in 1999. The film, directed by Rolf Belgum, is a chronicle of one man’s life. That person is destined to be a rock legend, a true visionary who will reshape the world somehow. Well, at least in his mind, he is. And just who’s this would-be famous musician? Dan Cleveland, a delivery driver living in Minneapolis. No, you and most others probably have never heard of him or his band, Dark Horse. However, Belgium needs only 72 minutes to showcase why everyone should and will be invested in Cleveland.
Reportedly shot on video for only $700, the documentary never shies away from showing every side of Cleveland. Sometimes he’s the kind of guy you want to have a drink with. At other moments, no one would blame you for strangling him. But don’t take anything he says personally. Cleveland has bipolar disorder, which makes it hard to always know if he means what he says or if it is just a giant mood swing brought on by his condition.
“…destined to be a rock legend, a true visionary…at least in his mind…”
Interestingly, Cleveland fancies himself an inventor. He builds a ramp to push amps and other equipment up the stairs of the basement. But whenever someone walks on it, the ramp slides out of place, making it hard to use as intended. His workout machine appears to be made out of old plastic crates. Is he recycling these items into new elements because he wants to reduce waste and do something? Or is Cleveland simply making a somewhat annoying but manageable task even more difficult? Driver 23 does not answer that for those watching, but each audience member will come away with a completely different answer.
As for Dark Horse’s music… well, they just aren’t that good. This makes the subject’s hardcore beliefs in their impending breakout that much more interesting and confounding. Maybe that is where his frustrations derive. Perhaps, his desire to be great, but the inability to achieve such always gets the best of him. That could be why Cleveland seems to lash out at those he’s closest to.
Belgium lets the camera roll as Cleveland starts useless debates over this or that thing. When his friends and bandmates are being interviewed, he can’t help but interject. Yet, the filmmaker ensures viewers do not lose sympathy for the man. Technically speaking, Driver 23 is a little rough around the edges. The compositions are sometimes shaky, or the close-ups are so close it is uncomfortable. But that sheer rawness makes everyone a part of the story. It takes down the fourth wall and lets audiences be a part of this epic, winding, crazy journey Cleveland takes and Belgum tracks. Plus, the documentary does a lot considering its brief runtime.
"…[an] epic, winding, crazy journey..."
