The Driver (Ryan ONeal) - real name unknown - has made a career out of stealing cars to use as getaway vehicles in big-time robberies all over Los Angeles.\rbr\rbr91 min. Action Crime Thriller Stars: Ryan ONeal, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani Director & Writer: Walter Hill The Driver is a specialist in a rare business: he .\rbr\rbrThe Driver is a 1978 crime thriller film written and directed by Walter Hill, starring Ryan ONeal, Bruce Dern, and Isabelle Adjani. Based upon similarities in plot .\rbr\rbrThe Driver is a 1978 crime film directed by Walter Hill and starring Ryan ONeal, Bruce Dern, and Isabelle Adjani. The film is notable for its impressive car chases .