Movie : Point Blank

Walker is double crossed by his criminal partner Reese.  They steal a large amount of money being dropped at the deserted Alcatraz prison.  Reese shoots Walker and leaves him for dead.  Taking the money and Walker’s wife with him.

Walker recovers and gets some help from a man called Yost to track down Reese and get his money.  His trail leads him to L.A. where he begins his relentless pursuit of Reese and his money.  He finds his ex- wife who is no longer hooked up with Reese.  She ends up  taking a lethal overdose.  Walker’s hunt leads him to his sister in-law, Chris, who decides to help Walker get to Reese.  His pursuit of his money just sends him farther up the food chain of the “Organization”eliminating the hierarchy as he goes.  He ends up back at Alcatraz for a final drop to get his money.

Cincinnati Babyhead loved the style of this film.  John Boorman  creates an atmospheric, surreal, hard boiled crime film.  Like one of those 50’s crime novels (no wonder, it was written by Richard Stark/Donald E Westlake).  It’s minimalistic and subtle film making.  Philip H. Lathrop gives the film the look and the feel through his camera work.

 

 

Yeah, and it’s violent.  So casting Lee Marvin as Walker is perfect.  He’s calm, stoic, cool, well dressed, soft spoken and real violent.  Lee was made for the role.  He is the character. The cast is filled out with some great performances.  Keenan Wynn,  John Vernon, Carroll O’Connor.  A bunch of well- dressed sleazeballs.  Michael Strong as Stegman in a test drive with Marvin is particularly good.  Angie Dickinson looks great and is great casting.  She also has the acting chops to hang in with Lee.

So if you’re looking for something a little off the mainstream,  a look at L A in the early 60’s, lots of great visuals, some sleaze, a great tough guy, catch this real cool flick.  Great crime movie.  Maybe you can help Lee get “his money”or punch a bad guy in the nuts.