Directed by Richard C. Sarafian | United States | 98 mins
Vietnam vet Kowalski (Barry Newman) is a man on a mission in a 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in the iconic Vanishing Point. Kowalski has made a wager to deliver the car to a dealer in Los Angeles in under 15 hours in exchange for pills. But, the cops are hot on his trail across the harsh and surreal deserts of Nevada, and will stop at nothing to catch him. Narrating Kowalski’s state-wide car chase is the prophet-like radio disc jockey Super Soul (Cleavon Little), who speaks directly to Kowalski through the Challenger radio. The DJ sees Kowalski as a liberated hero, trying to get one up on The Man. Along the way, Kowalski encounters a jolly Christian snake cult, naked hippie motorcyclists, and a mysterious hitchhiker (Charlotte Rampling). One of Steven Spielberg’s favourite films, Vanishing Point is the ultimate road trip.
Rating: R for sensuality/nudity and drug content.
Part of our Summer of Car Chases Series.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.