"The Driver" is a specialist in a rare business: he drives getaway cars in robberies. His exceptional talent prevented him from being caught yet. After another successful flight from the police, a self-assured detective makes it his primary goal to catch the Driver. He promises remission of punishment to a gang if they help to convict him in a set-up robbery. The Driver seeks help from "The Player" (Isabelle) to mislead the detective.
Another entry in the '70s sub-genre of films about taciturn, lone-wolf thieves, spies or hit-men who go up against the monolith of larger ``outfits.'' Other notable films in this genre are Charlie Varrick, The Last Run, The Outfit, The Domino Principle, and even 1967's Point Blank. This one leans a little too heavy on the ``strong silent type'' for my money. Its go-to scene seems to be Ryan O'Neal simply refusing to utter a sound when he's asked a question (that's how we know he's tough, you see). If it weren't for Bruce Dern as the cop on his tail, this thing might be unwatchable, but Dern steals all his scenes with O'Neal. Isabelle Adjani is kind of wasted here, but Ronee Blakley makes the most of her scenes. A so-so movie.
Reviews
The Driver
DavidBunnyDad reviewed
The Driver
March 27, 2026Another entry in the '70s sub-genre of films about taciturn, lone-wolf thieves, spies or hit-men who go up against the monolith of larger ``outfits.'' Other notable films in this genre are Charlie Varrick, The Last Run, The Outfit, The Domino Principle, and even 1967's Point Blank. This one leans a little too heavy on the ``strong silent type'' for my money. Its go-to scene seems to be Ryan O'Neal simply refusing to utter a sound when he's asked a question (that's how we know he's tough, you see). If it weren't for Bruce Dern as the cop on his tail, this thing might be unwatchable, but Dern steals all his scenes with O'Neal. Isabelle Adjani is kind of wasted here, but Ronee Blakley makes the most of her scenes. A so-so movie.
