The film is likely best known for its unnamed characters. Ryan O’Neal portrays the central figure whose actions while trying to escape draw the notice of detective Bruce Dern, who operates in a somewhat disreputable world. The result is an adventure that feels stripped down; I wouldn't classify it as a thriller. It shows people with questionable ethics existing in environments that seem to give their activities some …

I’m really fond of Hill’s work; I especially thought the car chase was fantastic, and his ability to depict a city’s environment is remarkable—that quality is evident in films like *48 Hrs* (which happens to be my personal favorite) and *The Warriors*.

This week’s focus is on the intense neo-noir, The Driver. Directed by Walter Hill, this film stands out as an excellent example of how film noir evolved into experimental crime films during the 1970s. Inspired by Le Samourai, which itself drew from This Gun For Hire, The Driver offers a lean and purely cinematic experience—a nighttime world populated by criminals and frustrated police officers. While traditiona…

Sparse Urban Magnificence. The Driver was written and directed by Walter Hill and features Ryan O’Neil, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani, and Ronee Blakley in the cast. Michael Small composed the music, with cinematography by Phillip H. Lathrop. A determined police officer chases an elusive getaway driver through the winding streets of Los Angeles... It's rather entertaining to revisit some of the initial review…