W2TCH

Vanishing Point (1971)

1971 • 1h 39m • Drama, Action • R
On September 25, 2026
#4581▼ 2448
4581st by Pulse movie online
44.0PULSEPulse MeterOur daily Pulse Meter measures public activity and popularity signals across the web.How it works →

All reviews

John Chard on Vanishing Point

8/10 · Jun 2, 2019

A final American hero for whom velocity represents liberation of spirit. Vanishing Point comes from director Richard Sarafian and screenwriter Guillermo Cain, featuring Barry Newman, Cleavon Little, and Dean Jagger. Kowalski (Newman), a car delivery driver, accepts the challenge of transporting a Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco within an improbable timeframe. Throughout his trip, he’s relentlessly chased by law enforcement and encounters various memorable people. Considered a cult film by its nature, Vanishing Point initially confused many reviewers but has steadily accumulated admirers with each passing decade. It emerged from the counterculture filmmaking movement of the late sixties and early seventies. At first glance, it seems like a straightforward movie centered on car chases, appealing primarily to those interested in vehicles. However, years of discussion and interpretation have elevated it to something legendary; some even consider it an exceptional film with a deeper meaning. It possesses a dreamlike quality that will captivate viewers who appreciate more than just the impressive stunts. Kowalski is quiet, even when interacting with unusual individuals and experiencing strange circumstances, which establishes him as a quintessential cinematic antihero. His past is gradually revealed through flashbacks, allowing us to understand his abilities, their origins, and the reasons behind his personality. He connects with reality through a blind radio DJ called Super Soul (Cleavon Little gives an outstanding performance), who Sarafian cleverly portrays as almost a supernatural guide during Kowalski’s journey, notably alerting him to police threats. It's one of several captivating elements within this compelling film. The filmmakers intentionally left the meaning of various aspects ambiguous, which works well because it allows each viewer to interpret the movie in their own way. More than simply an exciting car chase movie? Absolutely. 8/10

Source on TMDB