70 From The 70’s Part II: #40

You can take your ‘The Fast And Furious’ (2001), and your ‘Drive’ (2011), and your ‘Baby Driver’ (2017), and throw it down the garbage shoot, because none of them compare to work like ‘Vanishing Point’ (1971). A nonstop action thrill that blasts the doors wide open into the 1970’s. There is no need for a full story, no need for too much character development, all you need are loud cars and clean getaways. The 1970’s were chock full of great car chase films, and this one starts it off right. 

Let’s cut to the chase. Movies that have long and extended car chase sequences are just as good as an ice cold P.B.R. In the middle of June. Movies like ‘The French Connection’ (1971) stand out as having some of the best chase sequences around. ‘Dirty Mary Crazy Larry’ (1974) is yet another with some awesome high speed action. Steven Spielberg’s first film, ‘Duel’ (1971) is another part of the great car chases cannon. Of course, you cannot talk about a film like this without bringing up ‘Smokey And The Bandit’ (1977) where they didn’t invent this genre, but they definitely popularized it. No matter how poorly a film might be going, a live action car chase will always make it one hell of a good time. 

The best part about the 1970’s and the action films that came out of it are all the practical set designs that are used. Nolan CGI, no post touch ups, just a stunt man and his sheer power behind the wheel. Most people might not think about this stuff, but when the camera is in a real car, and all the stunts are done in frame, that leads to a much more raw and faithful telling of cinema. This is why films like ‘Bullitt’ (1968), ‘White Lightning’ (1973) ‘Mad Max: The Road Warrior’ (1981), and ‘Death Proof’ (2007) are so genuine to their craft. The practical details in a film like this truly do make or break it, and it works all the way for ‘Vanishing Point’ (1971).

One thing I appreciated a lot about this film is the lack of fat in the script. Most movies think they have to give exposition dumps multiple times through and a while back story and a half. ‘Vanishing Point’ (1971) is not devoid of the back story, but nothing is dwelling on that. We get quick flash backs at our characters life, and we see a few motivations from it, but that’s all it is. There is no need for half to movie to explain all of this, when a few clever edits can do the trick. It’s refreshing when a film can plan his out from the start, so we can sit and watch a great chase.

If you’re a fan of the action genre, check this one out. This is the perfect way to start out the 1970’s, with loud and fiery cinema, just like it was intended. The action seems to all be done in camera, and it truly pays off. The script is quick and clean, with nothing lingering to slow down the film. This all helps contribute to a well paced, and perfectly tuned movie. If you really want some great car work in a film but you’re tired of the chaotic edits in the fast and furious films, then check out ‘Vanishing Point’ (1971).