Point Blank 4K 1967

Gangster Walker, played by the rugged Lee Marvin, returns after two years in hiding to take revenge on the friend who betrayed him. Not only did this friend steal Walker’s money, but he also ran off with his wife. With that dirty money, the friend has become a big shot in a criminal organization and is now “under the protection” of the mob. But Walker cares little for the gangster hierarchy and recognizes no authority. He has only one goal: revenge. And more than one of his former associates will suffer for it.
The plot may seem standard to some, even though the film is based on a novel by D. Westlake. But director Burman didn’t rely on dramatic twists and turns, but rather on powerful visuals. And he didn’t miss the mark.

The cinematographer’s superb work and innovative editing made this film a significant milestone in the crime genre. To be honest, I can’t recall such a beautiful gangster film (well, except perhaps those by Brian De Palma). It had a major influence on the genre’s subsequent development. Friedkin, by the way, referenced the scene of Carter’s murder in *To Live and Die in L.A.*, and in 1999, renowned Hollywood screenwriter Brian Helgeland directed a remake titled *Payback* starring Mel Gibson. That film did not become a landmark in gangster cinema, but it did not disgrace the original either.