Viggo Mortensen in Vanishing Point
Release: 1997
Director: Charles Robert Carner
Writer(s): Malcom Hart
Based on: earlier screenplay by Guillermo Cain
Runtime: 92 min
MCAA Rating: Not rated, probably would be PG-13
Websites:
IMDb
View movie on new
Brego website
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Vanishing Point Cast and Crew
Viggo Mortensen: Jimmy Kowalski
Other leading roles:
Christine Elise, Raphinia Kowalski
Steve Railsback, Sergeant Preston
Vanishing Point Synopsis
When his wife goes into a troubled labor while he is on the road over 1200 miles away James Kowalski, an ex race car driver and a former Army Ranger, attempts to elude police while trying to get home. After numerous chases he turns into a Native American reservation and reflects on his life, and his wife. He then heads off to break through an impenetrable police and FBI roadblock.
Vanishing Point Brief Review
Vanishing Point is a sweet film, in which we see Viggo playing a man who is head over heels in love with his very pregnant wife. It's worth watching just to imagine yourself the woman who's getting breakfast in bed from Jimmy. Lots of flashbacks to their courtship and wedding, in between wild car-chase scenes. One could imagine it being designed as a couple movie: she watches the kisses and he watches the cars.
If you're looking for great cinema, look elsewhere. The plot is hard to swallow, and the film is almost too sweet. And the ending ... well, I'll let you see for yourself. But if you just want to enjoy some light Viggo moments, you will enjoy Vanishing Point.
Note: this made-for-TV movie is a remake of the original 1971 Vanishing Point. Unlike the original, which was rated as "R for sensuality/nudity and drug content," the remake with Viggo is quite mild.
Vanishing Point Articles & Interviews
smug mystery date - smug.com, February 1997
Film critic Robert "VX" Lee compares and contrasts the 1971 and 1997 versions of Vanishing Point. The good news is that "If the only thing you liked about the first movie was the car, you'll love this one -- same car, and it's pretty much the star of the movie." But then he delves into the philosophy and deeper meaning of the original and how it was lost in the remake, concluding that "What was a really simple, strange, and even subtle (for what is, in essence, the dumbest car chase movie ever) exploration of the heart of man, of individuality, and of life in general has been co-opted and twisted into a stupid, mean and (I would argue) ultimately racist piece of crap that doesn't even have the attraction of being fun to watch."
Vanishing Point Resources
Vanishing Point Mania - Fan of the two Vanishing Point films provides background information on the cast and cars. Includes a plea to Twentieth Century Fox for release of the 1997 version (starring Viggo Mortensen) on video tape or DVD.
Vanishing Point Photo Gallery
Saying goodbye
(618x477)
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Saying goodbye
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Breakfast in bed
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Last look
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Final instructions
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Laughing
(616x474)
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Flashing back
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On the road
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Taking a break
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In the sweat bath
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In the sweat bath
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Relaxing on the reservation
(738x567)
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Approaching the barrier
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Vanishing Point outtake
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Advertising poster
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