It's hard to believe that a government that claims to have compassion and care for their citizens, completely turns their back on a veteran and former police officer trying to make an honest living. Ok, so we know the 1970s wasn't exactly the best time in America for veterans of Vietnam, they were ostracized, spat upon and called baby killers, but Kowalski was a decent guy. Sure, he had long hair and they thought he was just another tripped out hippie, but they got it wrong.
The tone and story are darker than what people in 2024 might be use to, but that grittiness is why this film has a cult following after all. Everyone loves a story about a lone wolf up against everything, well, that's what Kowalski is doing in Vanishing Point. There are also tones of sexism and racism in this film, along with full frontal nudity, so if you're not into that, or you're afraid of those things, then don't watch.
Barry Newman does an excellent job playing Kowalski that I am honestly surprised he won no awards for his effort. Cleavon Little from Blazing Saddles co-stars as the radio DJ who gives a voice to Kowalski for his listeners. Vanishing Point gained a cult following in the years after its release, and even spawned a music tribute by Primal Scream. Two of Hollywood's biggest directors have even cited this film as inspiration, Steven Spielberg (Duel) and Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof).
The film has even inspired video game creators to include references in two games, Driver: San Francisco and Grid 2. There was even a remake of the film for television in 1997 starring Viggo Mortensen.
The tone and story are darker than what people in 2024 might be use to, but that grittiness is why this film has a cult following after all. Everyone loves a story about a lone wolf up against everything, well, that's what Kowalski is doing in Vanishing Point. There are also tones of sexism and racism in this film, along with full frontal nudity, so if you're not into that, or you're afraid of those things, then don't watch.
Barry Newman does an excellent job playing Kowalski that I am honestly surprised he won no awards for his effort. Cleavon Little from Blazing Saddles co-stars as the radio DJ who gives a voice to Kowalski for his listeners. Vanishing Point gained a cult following in the years after its release, and even spawned a music tribute by Primal Scream. Two of Hollywood's biggest directors have even cited this film as inspiration, Steven Spielberg (Duel) and Quentin Tarantino (Death Proof).
The film has even inspired video game creators to include references in two games, Driver: San Francisco and Grid 2. There was even a remake of the film for television in 1997 starring Viggo Mortensen.