Vanishing Point
Director: Richard C. Sarafian
Actors: Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, Charlotte Rampling
PlotIn the early 1970s, the United States is the backdrop for an epic journey that begins in Denver, Colorado. The protagonist, a car delivery driver with a remarkable past in the police force and as a racer, takes on a seemingly impossible challenge: to deliver a supercharged 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T 440 Magnum from Colorado to San Francisco in less than 15 hours. Motivated by a bet and his own need for redemption and freedom, he sets off on a mission that becomes more than just a simple delivery. Pitting himself against the clock, he becomes a symbol of resistance against conformism. With every mile, his determination grows, turning his journey into a high-speed pursuit of liberation.
As the driver pushes the limits of both man and machine, his odyssey attracts the attention of the police and media across several states, turning him into a folk hero. A blind radio DJ with a keen understanding of the soul of the American West plays a crucial role, using the airwaves to narrate the driver's quest and connect him with a vast audience of supporters and dreamers. Meanwhile, interactions with various Americans along his path—including a desert prospector, a snake-catcher, and a mysterious woman hitchhiker—add depth to his journey, reflecting the era’s social and cultural landscapes. With each encounter, the driver's story transcends the mere challenge of the road, embodying the spirit of freedom and rebellion against societal expectations.
Writers: Guillermo Cabrera Infante, Malcolm Hart, Barry Hall
Release Date: 13 Mar 1971
Runtime: 99 min
Rating: R
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Exciting 'Vanishing Point' with top gear tech setup captivates, despite video letdown.
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