Vanishing Point (1997)
A desperate race against time: Viggo Mortensen tears across the American Southwest, outrunning police to reach his wife before it's too late.
Vanishing Point - Movie Information
- Original Title: Vanishing Point
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Charles Robert Carner
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Thriller, TV Movie
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Companies: Westgate Productions, Fox Television Network
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: Carrera Contra el Destino (AR), Point limite zéro (FR)
Vanishing Point - Plot
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 heads off to break through a police roadblock.
Vanishing Point - Trailer
See the high-speed chase unfold in the official trailer below:
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Vanishing Point - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Charles Robert Carner
Main Cast
- Viggo Mortensen
- Christine Elise
- Jason Priestley
- Steve Railsback
- Peta Wilson
- Rodney A. Grant
- Peter Murnik
- Paul Benjamin
Writers
- Malcolm Hart
Vanishing Point - FAQs
What is Vanishing Point (1997) about?
Vanishing Point follows Jimmy Kowalski, an ex race car driver and former Army Ranger, who races over 1,200 miles to reach his wife as she goes into a difficult labor. Pursued relentlessly by police, he tears across the American Southwest in a desperate, high-stakes drive against time.
Is Vanishing Point (1997) a remake of an older film?
Yes, it's a remake of the cult 1971 film of the same name. While the original starred Barry Newman and leaned into counterculture themes, the 1997 TV version updates the story with Viggo Mortensen and shifts the emotional core toward family and personal redemption rather than anti-establishment rebellion.
How does the 1997 version differ from the original?
The 1997 remake replaces the original's countercultural, almost existential tone with a more personal, family-driven narrative. Jimmy Kowalski now has a pregnant wife waiting at home, giving his reckless drive a clear emotional motivation. The remake also aired on Fox Television, making it a more mainstream, accessible thriller.
Who stars in Vanishing Point (1997)?
Viggo Mortensen leads the film as Jimmy Kowalski, with Christine Elise as his wife Raphinia. Jason Priestley plays The Voice, the radio DJ narrating the chase, while Steve Railsback, Peta Wilson, and Rodney A. Grant round out a solid supporting cast.
Where can you watch Vanishing Point (1997)?
Streaming availability for Vanishing Point (1997) varies by region and changes over time. Your best bet is to check JustWatch, which tracks current streaming, rental, and purchase options across all major platforms in your area so you can find the most up-to-date viewing options.
What role does Jason Priestley play in the film?
Jason Priestley plays The Voice, a radio DJ who picks up on Kowalski's chase and begins broadcasting it live, turning the desperate drive into a public spectacle. It's a nod to the original film's iconic DJ character and adds a media commentary layer to the story.
Was Vanishing Point (1997) well received by audiences?
Reception was mixed. Fans of the 1971 original often found the remake too conventional, while viewers coming to it fresh tended to enjoy it as a solid, fast-paced TV thriller. Viggo Mortensen's committed performance is frequently cited as the film's strongest asset.
Who directed and wrote Vanishing Point (1997)?
Charles Robert Carner directed the film, with the screenplay written by Malcolm Hart. Carner brought a straightforward, action-focused approach to the material, keeping the pacing tight across the film's 91-minute runtime. Cinematographer Daryn Okada handled the visual side of the high-speed chase sequences.
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