The reason why I often come across as a contrarian in cinema is simple. DRIVE, on its release, became the wet dream of new cinema folk. By this I mean that those who have passing knowledge of older films (they constitute old as 5 years previously), little knowledge of genre and even less of cinema history, became obsessed by it. None had seen 1978 American neo-noir THE DRIVER, directed by Walter Hill, the son of cult cinema. It is the most direct rip of a film I have seen in quite some time. In style, substance and even essence. Ryan O’Neal, Bruce Dern and Isabelle Adjani are more expressive sure but they are motifs. The Driver  (O’Neal) is the best in the game. He is the “wheel man” for hire. Need a job done and right, call him. His work is simple. He will drive getaway cars for you, from the location, to the drop off point. No ifs or buts. On his tale are many a criminal for his services and one law man. The Detective ( Dern). He is the hardest, meanest cop on the force. Nobody he wants found, isnt. He now has his sights on the Driver. Planning to catch him in the act before the cars get to hot or the bodies to highly stacked.The Detective lays in wait for him. But the Driver has something up his sleeves surely? He knows whats already in the game and in front of him, on the road?

Masterpiece is a redundant term here. Its so is, that it deserves no mention of it. The work that has gone into this 4K restoration, sup up thing, is worth the admission certainly. There is a lot worth taking home from it. Nice fluorescent. Sleak shade and the resolution is rich, if not slighty heavy in blacks. I cant say much to fault it. I can quibble over two things mind. One is the Interview. Its short, covers many a point already out in the world and makes Hill seem a trad, well drab. The Alternative opening is a first watch, but a friend says its been around and it is not restored so looks limp. The Masterclass is better for a bunch of obvious reasons but I feel again, Hill deserves time and his tenacity, his cinematic literacy and his way of talking about rather than at the film, needs to be given a lot more ears.

Extras:

Masterclass: Walter Hill
Interview with Walter Hill
Alternate opening sequence
Trailer
Teasers

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