6. Road Movie / Car Chase Genre - Vanishing Point
A little bit of a niche category, this one, but one which is more than deserving of some recognition. Some of the moves Ive defined as car movies are based around specific journeys, while others use races and chases as part of a much larger narrative. Either way theyre great fun to watch especially with surround sound but which one is the best? For this category Ive had to split my verdict in two. The first film Ive picked is Vanishing Point, a cult classic which is solely about the journey and the adventure of the road trip. Released in 1971 it tells the story of Kowalski, a delivery driver who takes on a bet to get a 1970 Dodge Challenger from Colorado to San Francisco in as little time as possible. What follows is a slightly trippy couple of hours , during which our hero travels the dusty highways of America with effortless cool, reflecting on his past as he deals with a variety of obstacles, ranging from local law enforcement, to hippies, to a blind radio DJ known as Super Soul and a naked blonde on a motorbike. Its a little bit odd and its definitely not one to show the kids, but it is a cult classic and worth a place in your collection (plus its much better than the remake starring Aragorn from Lord of the Rings...) If youre looking for a film in which the emphasis isnt solely on driving, but which does contain some adrenaline pumping chase scenes, you could do a lot worse than John Frankenheimers Ronin. The director of Grand Prix, aided by a top flight cast including Robert De Niro, Stellan Skarsgard and Jean Reno, produces a multi faceted work which combines action, suspense, thrills and tense chases. Cars such as the BMW 5 Series and Audi S8 help to keep up the pace, while CGI effects are kept to a minimum to ensure that the audience feel fully immersed (there is one part involving some computer generated tyre smoke, but well gloss over that...) With the main narrative concerned with the secret contents of an ice skates case, the action feels visceral and engaging while flowing logically alongside the rapidly unfolding events. Put simply, its a film for car lovers and film lovers alike, so which ever you are give it a watch and I guarantee that you wont be disappointed.
Other top picks: Gone in 60 Seconds, Bullitt, The French Connection, Sex Drive, Drive, The Transporter So there you have it; my top picks from some of my favourite genres. I know that this isnt an exhaustive list; it doesnt over every genre, neither does it highlight every great film within those genres. However, what I hope that it does do is encourage some of you reading to put forward your own opinions and selections. If there is enough interest I may even compile an article listing WhatCultures favourites! Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below!