Walter Hill's The Driver (1978) - The Birth of a Hollywood Legend

Ever watched Warriors, Aliens, or 48 Hrs.? If so, you've experienced the genius of Walter Hill, even if you didn't know it. This Hollywood powerhouse has been shaping the film industry for decades, yet many younger movie fans might not recognize his name. Today, we're diving into Hill's early career, starting with his breakout hit The Driver (1978). Buckle up, film fans - we're in for one heck of a ride!

Who is Walter Hill?

Before we hit the gas on The Driver, let's talk about the man behind the wheel. Walter Hill isn't just a director - he's a triple threat in Hollywood. As a writer, director, and producer, he's left an unforgettable mark on some of the most iconic films of the last 50 years.

But Hill's real claim to fame? His knack for crafting gritty, stylish action flicks that pack a serious punch. And it all started with a little neo-noir gem called The Driver.

The Driver (1978) - Hill's Breakthrough

Alright, let's shift gears and focus on the film that put Walter Hill on the map. The Driver hit theatres in 1978, and boy, did it make an entrance.

The Driver (1978)
Director: Walter Hill
Stars: Ryan O'Neal, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani
Runtime: 91 minutes
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

This neo-noir thriller stars Ryan O'Neal as a nameless getaway driver being pursued by an equally nameless detective (Bruce Dern).

Style Over Substance? Not Quite

At first glance, The Driver might seem like your typical cat-and-mouse chase flick. But Hill's got some tricks up his sleeve:

1. Nameless characters: Nobody in this film has a proper name. They're all referred to by their roles (The Driver, The Detective, etc.). It's a bold move that adds to the film's mysterious vibe.
2. Minimal dialogue: O'Neal's character speaks only 350 words in the entire film. Talk about the strong, silent type!
3. Artistic influences: Hill drew inspiration from artist Edward Hopper's work, giving the film a distinctive visual style.

Reception: A Slow Burn Success

Here's where things get interesting. The Driver wasn't an instant hit. In fact, it kind of bombed at the box office. But like a fine wine, this film has only gotten better with age.

"If we'd had Clint Eastwood in the film, we'd have been forgiven everything and they'd have said, 'It's another Eastwood film about driving cars'." - Lawrence Gordon, Producer

Today, The Driver is considered a cult classic. It's even influenced modern films like Drive (2011) and Baby Driver (2017). Not too shabby for a "flop", huh?

Gallery Slideshow

Streets Of Fire

The Warriors

Walter Hill filming Last Man Standing

Walter Hill - Western Director

Southern Comfort

48 Hrs.

The Driver

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The Hill Momentum: Post-Driver Success

After The Driver, Walter Hill didn't slow down. He kept churning out hit after hit. Let's take a quick look at his run up to 48 Hrs. and beyond:

Walter Hill's Hit Parade

Each of these films showcased Hill's growing mastery of action, tension, and visual storytelling. But let's zoom in on a couple of standouts:

Streets of Fire (1984)

This "rock & roll fable" might be Hill's most divisive film. Set in a stylized 1950s meets 1980s world, it's a genre-bending adventure that's gained a cult following over the years. With its neon-soaked visuals and pulsing soundtrack, Streets of Fire is a feast for the senses.

Extreme Prejudice (1987)

Returning to his Western roots, Hill crafted this tough-as-nails tale of Texas Rangers and drug cartels. Starring Nick Nolte at his grittiest, Extreme Prejudice is a testament to Hill's ability to modernise classic genres.

Walter Hill's Top 10 Movies: A Career in Review

Now that we've covered Hill's early career, let's take a broader look at his filmography. Here's a ranking of Walter Hill's top 10 movies, showcasing the diversity and quality of his work: You can read our full article here.

Walter Hill's Top 10 Movies

1. The Warriors (1979)
2. 48 Hrs. (1982)
3. The Driver (1978)
4. Southern Comfort (1981)
5. Hard Times (1975)
6. The Long Riders (1980)
7. Streets of Fire (1984)
8. Extreme Prejudice (1987)
9. Last Man Standing (1996)
10. Undisputed (2002)

This list spans nearly three decades of Hill's career, from his early masterpieces like The Driver and The Warriors to later gems like Last Man Standing and Undisputed. It's a testament to Hill's consistency and his ability to evolve while maintaining his signature style.

What stands out about this list? A few things:

1. Genre diversity: While Hill is known for action, his top films span neo-noir, urban thriller, Western, and even boxing drama.
2. Consistent quality: Even his later works like Undisputed show Hill hadn't lost his touch decades into his career.
3. Cult favorites: Many of these films, like The Warriors and Streets of Fire, have passionate fan bases that have grown over time.

Absolutely! Let's add a section highlighting these hidden gems from Walter Hill's filmography. Here's a segment you can incorporate into your article:

Hidden Gems: Walter Hill's Underappreciated Masterpieces

While Hill's big hits like The Warriors and 48 Hrs. get a lot of attention, true film buffs know that some of his best work flies under the radar. Let's shine a spotlight on two of Hill's hidden gems that deserve more recognition.

Wild Bill (1995)

Wild Bill (1995)
Director: Walter Hill
Stars: Jeff Bridges, Ellen Barkin, John Hurt
Runtime: 98 minutes
Genre: Western, Biography

Wild Bill is a gritty, unconventional biopic of the legendary gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok. Jeff Bridges delivers a tour de force performance as the titular character, capturing both his larger-than-life persona and his inner demons. Hill's direction is at its most experimental here, blending black-and-white flashbacks with colour sequences to create a dreamlike exploration of myth and reality in the Old West.

What sets Wild Bill apart is its unflinching look at the toll of violence and fame on a man's psyche. It's not your typical glorified Western hero story - instead, Hill gives us a complex, flawed character study that feels startlingly modern. The film's visual style, with its use of shadows and unconventional angles, creates an atmosphere that's part Western, part film noir.

Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)

Geronimo: An American Legend (1993)
Director: Walter Hill
Stars: Jason Patric, Gene Hackman, Robert Duvall, Wes Studi
Runtime: 115 minutes
Genre: Drama, History, Western

Often overshadowed by other '90s Westerns, Geronimo: An American Legend is a nuanced and visually stunning portrayal of the Apache leader's last days of freedom. With a stellar cast including Wes Studi as Geronimo, Gene Hackman, and a young Matt Damon, Hill crafts a film that balances action with thoughtful exploration of cultural conflict.

What makes Geronimo stand out is its attempt to present a balanced view of a complex historical figure. Hill doesn't shy away from the brutality of the frontier, but he also portrays the Apache with dignity and depth rarely seen in Westerns of the time. The film's cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the harsh beauty of the American Southwest in a way that makes the landscape itself a character in the story.

Why These Films Matter

Both Wild Bill and Geronimo showcase Hill's ability to subvert Western tropes while still delivering compelling narratives. They represent a more mature Hill, one who's not afraid to slow down the pace and dig deep into character and theme. While they might not have the instant gratification of his earlier action films, these hidden gems reveal a filmmaker at the height of his powers, crafting complex, visually arresting stories that challenge our perceptions of American mythology.

For fans looking to dive deeper into Walter Hill's filmography, these two underappreciated classics are essential viewing. They demonstrate why Hill is considered not just an action director, but a true cinematic artist capable of depth, nuance, and visual poetry.

Hill's Legacy: More Than Just a Director

By the late '80s, Walter Hill had established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. But his influence extends far beyond his director's chair:

• As a writer: Hill's sharp dialogue and tight plotting influenced a generation of screenwriters.
• As a producer: His work on the Alien franchise helped shape one of sci-fi's most beloved series.
• As a mentor: Hill's style influenced filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino, who lists The Driver as one of the "coolest movies of all time."

Why Hill Matters Today

In an age of CGI spectacles and superhero blockbusters, Walter Hill's gritty, character-driven films might seem like relics of a bygone era. But I'd argue they're more relevant than ever.

Walter Hill's Lasting Impact

Hill's movies remind us that great action doesn't need a $200 million budget. It needs:

• Tension
• Compelling characters
• A director who knows how to frame a shot

In other words, it needs a Walter Hill.

The Old Masters' Latest: Dead for a Dollar (2022)

Even in his twilight years, Walter Hill hasn't hung up his director's hat. His latest offering, Dead for a Dollar (2022), proves the old maestro still has some tricks up his sleeve. Starring heavyweights Christoph Waltz and Willem Dafoe, this Western might not have set the box office ablaze, but it's a testament to Hill's unwavering vision.

Dead for a Dollar (2022) at a Glance

• Director: Walter Hill
• Stars: Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, Rachel Brosnahan
• Genre: Western
• Runtime: 114 minutes

Sure, it didn't set critics' hearts racing or dominate the box office. But for those who appreciate Hill's signature style - those sepia-toned vistas, gritty characters, and deliberate pacing - Dead for a Dollar is like slipping on a comfortable old leather jacket. It's a slow burn, focused more on character than spectacle, harking back to the Westerns of yesteryear.

"I've always felt that the Western is allegory. There's a lot of room in there to investigate the human condition." - Walter Hill

Is it Hill's best work? Probably not. But there's something to be said for a filmmaker who, even after nearly five decades in the industry, still sticks to his guns (pun intended). For fans of Hill's oeuvre, Dead for a Dollar offers a chance to see the master at work one more time, crafting the kind of deliberately paced, character-driven Western that's become all too rare in today's fast-paced cinematic landscape.

So, while it might not win any new converts, for those who've followed Hill's career and appreciate his particular brand of filmmaking, Dead for a Dollar is a reminder of why he's considered one of the great American directors. It's Hill doing what Hill does best - and for many, that's more than enough.

Wrapping Up: The Journey from The Driver to Hollywood Legend

From the neo-noir streets of The Driver to the neon-drenched world of Streets of Fire, Walter Hill's career is a masterclass in filmmaking. He took risks, developed a unique style, and left an unforgettable mark on Hollywood.

So, the next time you're browsing Netflix or hitting up your local theater, keep an eye out for Hill's influence. Trust me, once you start looking, you'll see it everywhere.

What's your favorite Walter Hill film? Is it one of the top 10, or do you have a lesser-known gem you'd like to share? Or maybe you're just discovering his work now? Either way, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Let's keep the conversation going!