A favourite for many film-fans of my generation, Point Break was one of those films I adored as a teenager (because, hello Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves!) and then grew to love even more as I got older and appreciated it for the genius it really is.
That this very testosterone-fuelled film is directed by a woman only makes it all the more brilliant, because it's bold and unapologetic and doesn't fit into any kind of pre-conceived notion of what a film directed by a woman is supposed to look like.
A story of bank robbery and surfing, Point Break is fun, intense, silly and dark. It's beautifully shot: there is some stunning hand-held camera work for an intimate, on-foot chase scene alongside but also equally impressive skydives and surfing sequences. (Swayze does one of the jumps on camera himself!)
Reeves and Swayze are a phenomenal pairing on screen, their performances enhanced by the support of Gary Busey, Lori Petty and the rest of the ex-presidents, and the pace never lulls, blending humour with drama and tension.
Unlike so many action films of recent years, this film blends the action flawlessly with great characterisation, a plot filled with twists and turns (and some quality one-liners!) and the captivating vision of this very talented director.
And there's just enough time left over to throw in a hint of cheese.
Perfection.
5*
See also: The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty (also directed by Bigelow)
This is hardly a new thing (see #52FilmsByWomen) but I have set myself a goal to make a conscious effort to see more films either directed or written by women in 2017.
While I have thoroughly enjoyed numerous films by male writers and directors, the balance is still off. Of the films I saw at London Film Festival last year, some real standouts were made by women: Amma Asante's A United Kingdom, Mira Nair's Queen of Katwe and Lone Scherfig's Their Finest (written by Gaby Chiappe). Yet, their wider releases (if they were fortunate enough to get one!) came and went without much discussion.
So my plan is to watch and discuss them, plain and simple . . . and if I can't find any at the cinema then I have some DVDs to go through (see the photo!) and some options on Netflix.
My current Netflix list (UK) includes:
- 13th
- The Reluctant Fundamentalist
- Take This Waltz
- Coin Heist
If you feel like joining in or have any suggestions then feel free to tweet me at @filmvsbook.
