"The Driver" is a very well-done crime drama that features excellent chase scenes, strong acting and an interesting script. Walter Hill's directing lacks style, but his simple, blunt approach works for the story. Ryan O'Neil is outstanding as the unnamed driver of the story. His good looks and natural intelligence work for him in this role. Since he had few lines, much of his acting was in the unspoken moments. Bruce Dern, on the other hand, pushes too much in the role. He tries hard to be weird and tough, when just tough would suffice. I like Dern as an actor, but sometimes you can see him working. Still, he didn't hold the film back and at times he was quite effective. Too bad Walter Hill didn't tell him to pick up his cues because his performance would have benefited from a quicker pace. Isabella Adjani did very well in a somewhat typed role (the mysterious woman). I particularly liked her in the scene with Bruce Dern that takes place in her hotel. I don't think she liked Dern very much. She was natural and focused and didn't play any of the "languid, bored sex honey" that she could have played. The films score was very well done. Some odd fusion jazz in the mix made me sit up and pay attention. Michael Small did the score. He also did the score for "Night Moves" and "the Drowning Pool". Both of which are good.
One last note: recent novel by James Sallis called "Drive" covers some of the same territory as this movie, but in a completely different style . I wonder if Sallis saw this film?
One last note: recent novel by James Sallis called "Drive" covers some of the same territory as this movie, but in a completely different style . I wonder if Sallis saw this film?
Tell Your Friends