Detailed Summary
The Opening Heist
“The Driver,” directed by Walter Hill, opens with a high-octane car chase through the dark streets of Los Angeles. The Driver (Ryan O’Neal), a professional getaway driver, skillfully evades the police after helping a group of bank robbers. The chase establishes his reputation as the best in the business.
The Detective’s Obsession
A relentless detective, known simply as The Detective (Bruce Dern), is determined to catch The Driver. He sets up a sting operation, offering a gang of criminals immunity if they hire The Driver for a job, hoping to catch him in the act.
The Connection with The Player
The Driver is introduced to The Player (Isabelle Adjani), a mysterious and cool woman who becomes involved in the plot. She witnesses the aftermath of one of The Driver’s jobs but refuses to identify him when questioned by The Detective, signaling her loyalty or perhaps her interest in The Driver.
The Double-Cross
As the story unfolds, tension builds between The Driver, The Detective, and the criminals. The gangsters try to outsmart The Driver by double-crossing him during a heist. However, The Driver turns the tables, outwitting both the criminals and The Detective.
The Final Chase and Showdown
The climax features another thrilling chase, with The Driver once again displaying his unmatched skills behind the wheel. The Detective’s obsession grows to a fever pitch, leading to a final confrontation between the two characters.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a subtly ambiguous note. The Driver walks away with a bag full of money after outmaneuvering everyone involved. As he enters a subway station, The Detective watches, defeated, realizing he has been outplayed once more. The Driver discards the money, signifying that he is a man motivated more by the thrill of the chase than by material wealth.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “The Driver” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
This film is a neo-noir crime thriller, characterized by minimalistic dialogue, intense action sequences, and a brooding atmosphere.
Cast
- Ryan O’Neal as The Driver
- Bruce Dern as The Detective
- Isabelle Adjani as The Player
- Ronee Blakley as The Connection
- Joseph Walsh as Glasses
Film Music and Composer
The score, composed by Michael Small, features a blend of tense, atmospheric music that amplifies the film’s moody, neo-noir vibe.
Filming Locations
- Los Angeles, California: The film’s gritty depiction of L.A.’s underbelly is central to its atmosphere. The city’s dimly lit streets, parking garages, and freeways serve as the backdrop for many of the high-speed chases.
Awards and Nominations
Although audiences overlooked “The Driver” when it first came out, it later developed a cult following and is now praised for its distinctive style and lasting impact on later films in the genre.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The film is famous for its minimalist approach, with very little dialogue and a focus on visual storytelling.
- Many initially considered Ryan O’Neal an unexpected choice for the role, given his background in romantic films, but he delivered a cold, stoic performance that ultimately became iconic.
- Walter Hill cited French director Jean-Pierre Melville and his film “Le Samouraï” (1967) as major inspirations.
Inspirations and References
- Jean-Pierre Melville’s “Le Samouraï”: The Driver is heavily influenced by this French neo-noir classic, particularly in its portrayal of a lone, stoic protagonist.
- American Film Noir: The film blends traditional film noir elements like morally ambiguous characters and a focus on crime, but modernizes them with 1970s aesthetics.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The public has not seen any alternate endings or deleted scenes, but the film’s straightforward and streamlined narrative offers little opportunity for additional content.
Book Adaptations and Differences
“The Driver” is an original screenplay by Walter Hill and is not based on a book. However, its sparse dialogue and character archetypes feel almost literary in nature.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Opening Chase: The Driver’s first chase, showcasing his ability to outmaneuver the police, sets the tone for the film.
- The Parking Garage Test: The Driver demonstrates his skills to potential clients by systematically destroying a car in a confined parking garage.
- The Final Heist and Chase: A nail-biting sequence where The Driver outwits the criminals and The Detective.
Iconic Quotes
- “I’m gonna catch The Driver.” – The Detective
- “You know something, cowboy? You’re so quiet, I can’t tell if you’re smart or dumb.” – The Player
- “The game’s fixed. One thing about being a good driver, you’ve always got to be ready for that.” – The Driver
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Driver’s character is deliberately kept enigmatic, with no backstory or even a real name, emphasizing the film’s focus on archetypes.
- The lack of character names (The Driver, The Detective, The Player) reinforces the film’s minimalist, almost mythic approach to storytelling.
- The film subtly homages the silent film era, with its sparse dialogue and heavy reliance on action to communicate the plot.
Trivia
- Quentin Tarantino and Nicolas Winding Refn have both cited “The Driver” as a major influence on their work, especially on films like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Drive (2011).
- Walter Hill wrote the script with Ryan O’Neal specifically in mind for the lead role.
- Despite its underperformance at the box office, “The Driver” became a significant inspiration for the neo-noir and action genres.
Why Watch?
“The Driver” is a must-watch for fans of stylish neo-noir films, intense car chases, and minimalist storytelling. Its influence on modern crime thrillers is undeniable, and its cool, detached style offers something unique for genre enthusiasts.
Director’s Other Movies
- The Warriors (1979)
- 48 Hrs. (1982)
- Streets of Fire (1984)
- Red Heat (1988)
- Last Man Standing (1996)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Le Samouraï (1967)
- Drive (2011)
- Thief (1981)
- Heat (1995)
- To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
