Point Blank (1967)

 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Point Blank (1967) – J. Boorman

I like the idea that Lee Marvin’s Walker may actually be an angry ghost, haunting those who have absconded with his $93K (and his wife and his life). As directed by John Boorman, the film is fractured, using jump cuts, flashbacks, and a variety of cinematic effects (à la the French New Wave) to chart Marvin’s unstoppable march (in sharp suits with a .44 magnum) on his former partner (John Vernon as Reece) and the corporate “Organization” leaders who he owed money to.  But first things first, the film opens at Alcatraz where Walker and Reece have just made a big score (ripping off who?) – Reece and Walker’s wife Lynne double cross Walker and Reece shoots him leaving him for dead.  One theory about the film is that he actually is dead (hence, a ghost), another has the events of the film represent a dying man’s final thoughts, a fantasy, a dream.  Either of these theories helps to explain the dream like quality of some of the film’s images and Marvin’s impenetrable/invulnerable nature – really, this is one of his toughest tough guy roles. In order to finally get to Reece, Walker uses his sister-in-law Angie Dickinson as bait; she initially resists him but then gives in, including to his amorous inclinations. Not that Marvin shows any emotions, even when he finally succeeds at getting his money (back at Alcatraz) from head bad guy Caroll O’Connor (yes, Archie Bunker).  He simply fades away, having wreaked his final retribution.