One of the central tenents of the crime film genre is structured around the relationships between dark and light. Good and evil engage in a complex interaction culminating in the realisation that the borderlines that distinguish these states are essentially fluid - divisions appearing only in reference to a notional designated "law". Kathryn Bigelow's Point Break (1991) takes this understanding to an extreme length, positioning the relationship between the oppositional forces in an intricate and spiritual dimension.
The opening sequence of Point Break anticipates the meeting of the cop and criminal lines. Shots of Johnny Utah (Keanu Reeves) training at a firing range are juxtaposed with shots of Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) surfing. This connection is emphasised as both actors' names literally collide and pass through one another. But the opening credits only initiate the beginning of this complex link. The movement that brings Bodhi and Utah together is not a simple dialectic equation leading towards unity, not a matter of recognition and attraction between self and other, cop and criminal, law and transgression. Point Break is not simply the story of one-line-the-law pursing and capturing the other-the-criminal. This is about what happens when the two lines cross, when two waves collide and go off in a new direction, what Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari term a perpendicular direction, a transversal movement that sweeps one and the other away.
The first hour of the film follows Johnny Utah along the FBI's line of capture. We see Utah and Pappas working the case in a typically generic way; searching computer archives and data, talking through details of the case, following leads, working stake-outs, going undercover. This culminates with Utah pursing Bodhi in a brilliant chase sequence through the streets of Los Angeles. Yet the chase results in neither a capture nor an escape. At the moment of suspense, the logic of capture "stutters"; Utah cannot fire his gun or apprehend the criminal.
This process of organizing the flow of digital information, "cracking" and controlling the code, catching the wave of data, it is suggested, is the way to locating the criminal body. Capturing the criminal means capturing code. Control and resistance are both matters of direction and speed, both cops and criminals are surfers.
Johnny and Bodhi, pursuer and prey, establish a complicated bond, and the dynamics between them shift and turn in complex interplay throughout the film, as Johnny the "lawman" is forced by circumstances to experience forms of life that comprise the "other(s) side", Tyler (Lori Petti) tells Johnny he has that "kamikaze look" about going "to the edge", which she recognises from her relationship with Bodhi, with his philosophy of strength and spirit in defiance.
Throughout Bigelow's films there is a preoccupation with the role and effects of the visual dynamic and the visual sequence, with image and with movement. The sharp foreground focus and blurred background (narrow depth of field), the dramatically atmospheric lighting, the framed close-up, the quick-cutting and "restless" steady-cam camera work and the intense editing are all familiar techniques characterising Bigelow's sophistication, generating a slick aesthetic high tension.
Bigelow renders the scenes of action with intensity - night surfing, sky diving, bank-robbing - beautiful in terms of the singular, momentary explosive thrill they present. Point Break revels in its sequences of violence and ecstatic abandon subjugating any meditation on character motivation and modes of identification. Subjectification is an effect of the transitory movement of the waves and lines of surfing. Surfing rides a line of subjectivity, the "self" propelled relentlessly on an ever-moving wave.
Eventually waves crash. The lines break apart. Can annihilation be avoided? At the conclusion of Point Break, after months of pursuit, Utah encounters Bodhi on an Australian beach in midst of an immense storm. As Bodhi is about to enter the swirling waters in an attempt to catch the mythical ultimate wave, Utah handcuffs their wrists together. For a moment it seems the line of law is in the ascendance, the cop arrests the villain. But Utah reconsiders, allowing Bodhi to annihilate himself on the final wave of adrenaline. Utah subsequently abandons the line of law; he tosses his badge into the sea and walks away, open to the next line, the next wave, and the next sensation.
Exploring the cinematic parameters of action, melodrama and romance, Bigelow advances contemporary cultural questions around violence and excess. The ways in which simple good verses bad dichotomies are problematized by the themes of alter ego and the ways in which a kind of mirroring occurs between heroes and villains are potentially volatile narrative events. The adrenaline rush provided by Point Break in de-stabilising the high effect crime-genre-film, with suspense as well as the surfing, elicits seismic imaginings. Cinema becomes visceral sensation, leaving the world of abstract thought and entering the domain of bodily sensations.
Reader comments about Point Break
Gelardi, Laurie (starfire200000@yahoo.com) writes:
A really good movie to see is Point Break! The destination is the perfect setting, the beach has prostitue looking chicks hangin out, plus all the shrimp cocktail you can eat. Then at nights, its like down in the pit serving drinks around the fire. Also, K.R. makes surfing look like he has been doing it for ten years. Yes, this is my favorite movie*****1/2
Lars G. (Name and address withheld) writes:
Point Break is a great movie. It's not just that it look great and give you real buzz to watch with the xtreme sports, but it have a great feel of people fighting back against the boring office jobs. And even though the fight end bad and the end is pretty depressing, it's like the fight go on! I love this movie.
Wavey Davey, England (Email address withheld) writes:
A truely majestic piece of work. Utah and Bodhi's relationship develops, twists and turns in what can only be descibed as 'genius' film making. Being a surfer myself I found the script true-to-life and Bodhi's way of life personifies what us surfers live for!
There's no point paddling out in the big surf of viewing Point Break by only watching it once - let those losers in their metal coffins do that. Seeing it 10+ times is a must for all radical dudes seeking the ultimate rush!
Wavey 'Utah' Davey.
Gobizafa (Gobizafa@yahoo.com) writes:
Who's website is this? Who works here. This ain't no summer job flippin burgers at the local drive in, yes the surf board bothers me yes you bother me!!!
You have to love the addiction of Point Break with its ability to merge with adrellin rushed junkies like us. Its total commitment man. All aspects of life can be associated with the freedom that Bodhi exudes from Utah. Even through the internet I see that look in your eyes. I'll take you to the edge man! Long Live Point Break!
James Anderson (Email address withheld) writes:
This movie is excellent! The best cat and mouse, cops and robbers film I have seen since Lethal Weapon and Die Hard. It isn't as good as either film but is the best action film of recent years.!!
Shadow That Comes In Sight (antinoway@hotmail.com) writes:
Point Break is about life...living on the edge..and about death...the death you die as you prostitute the days and hours of your life...serving 'the system' which doesn't give a shit about you. I was once very much like Johnny Utah...serving the system...but I opted out and now I am free. Hope you can get free to moo-foo and never get caught or go down like 'the dead presidents' do in this flick. Me...I'm shit'in and grinning and recommend Point Break to freedom lovers everywhere. Out here on the perimeter...we are stoned emaculate...
not on drugs...but on life and freedom...there is still some room left...so watch, listen, feel and learn...Point Break is worth seeing. Surf Nazi's need not apply.
Tanya (tanish88@yahoo.se) writes:
This is my favorite movie.
I just love it!!!
I'm from sweden and we don't have waves that you can surf on so i've never surfed.. But on my 16 birthday i'm going to California with my sister to learn how to surf!! I'm 13 now so it's still a few years to go. If my mother allows me i'm sky diving in summer.
Point Break is the best!!!
drew (drewin@ureach.com) writes:
For the person asking where the beach was filmed. It was filmed at a private beach called Latigo Beach, in between Malibu and Zuma. I surfed there before. It's got a great wave in the Summer. Other than that, you need to know someone who lives there, or the guard at the gate. Located after the 76 station.
lady in red (Email address withheld) writes:
surfing is more than only a sport, its a religion, how the movie shows.
In my opinion its the real life.
Gobizafa ((Gobizafa@yahoo.com)) writes:
Tanya, if your 13 then u r too young but how old is your sister. I love Sweden nearly as much as the ex presidents!
The ex-presidents are surfers, wooahh!
PG (Email address withheld) writes:
This is a seriously UNDERrated movie for some reason. I think it is because the newspapers are full of people who resent the freedom that the dead presidents represent. For Real. People for real resent it and give this very excellent an ok review. It is much better than ok.
It is really very complicated philosophically and you can go at it two ways. One way is to think about what the characters stand for - that can take twenty viewings. The other is to appreciate the extreme sports lifestyle - which is what really it is all about here in Southern California for those who wanted it. I only got to see an edge of it before an accident took me out, but I saw that it was real.
Juan Lettieri (The Mox) (Juanlet21@ciudad.com.ar) writes:
I'm from argentina, and I think Point Break is the ultimate rush, I've never seen a movie as spectacular as Point Break, it sure is a way of life...
graham (Email address withheld) writes:
2 lines sum this film up
"just paddling out in the big surf is total commitment you cant just call time-out and stroll on in to the beach if you dont like the way things r goin"
"no ones been out , no ones goin out youve gotta be fckin crazy man its death on a stick out there mate"
these are classic lines superb writing!!
Joel Taylor (joelt77506@hotmail.com) writes:
Point break is simply the best action film ever made. As raw simple as the concept, it has so many deep values within. The film is a film i can watch again and again, as Johnny Utah shows how a character stuck in a restricted world of law and order can brake free and live life. It gives me a reason to learn how 2 luv life. a surfer n' all!
"Surfin is the Source"
Jan Vinzelberg (jan.vinzelberg@berlin.de) writes:
I`m from germany and studing sports and
mental and physical disabilities!
I wanna describe the movie for a special
course at my university in Berlin.
It`s about the different youthcultures
in our society!
I love this movie because I like this
way of live although I`m not really in.
The look for the the edge is a basic
in my life. Actually I`m staying quite
normaly in life but maybe that`s the
reason for me, to want to escape from
it. The connection between Bodhi and
Jonny describes in a significant way
the two spirits in myself. I`m always
looking forward to do something special
to prove myself. In the other way
I`m studing and working. I always feel
good when I`m watching the movie.
It takes me in a dream, get`s me on
don`t let`s me off!!
Tubal Cain (prospero.group@siol.net) writes:
What's gotten into all of you people? Surfing's great, but so are some other sports and even non-sports activities, which can turn into a lifestyle or as you guys see it, a religion.
Point Break? Not a bad movie, I like Bigelow in general, but c'mon, it's not like it's the next Citizen Kane.
Come to think of it, if your best all-time movie is Lethal Weapon, I can dig your fascination with Point Break.
Also, since most of you sound like armchair-surfer-wannabes, here's a tip: lose the movie, come to Puerto Escondido in Mexico and see what it's all about.
And re: the site's reviewer, Bigelow would laugh at all the stuff you see that's not really there. Why do you have to try so hard to sound intellectual, just make a fucking point. And lose that Deleuzian shit. Technical wise, my favourite shot is when Reeves and Swayze, still suited up and boards in hands, are walking up somewhere and they both look like they're like 5ft tall with dwarfish legs.
GET A LIFE
B.D (Email address withheld) writes:
Great Film!
Not many surf films understand the religious side of surfing. Point Break does this better then any other. I have two best films - Point Break and The Shawshank redemption.
T. L. Pavao (Pavao294@Juno.Com) writes:
I liked the movie Point Break very much. I liked the actor who played Roach in the movie. Something about him seemed familiar. Recently, I surfed the web to find out who this actor was and possibly some of his other films. I was "shocked" to find out he was the same actor in other films I have seen and liked such as William in "Bad Girls", Fenton in "Boys", and the young man in "My New Gun". I was shocked! I liked this actor in all these movies and it shocked me he was one and the same James LeGros! Can you possibly tell me a website where I may find still shots which include "Roach" from your movie "Point Break"? I have searched the web and although I have found some sites most of the still shots are of Keanu Reeves, pity...Not Hardly. But I have found no Point Break or James LeGros websites that include still shots or pictures of "Roach", "William", or his character in "My New Gun".
Thank you for your time...
Kaz (Email address withheld) writes:
Point Break is an absolute wicked film, i only watched it because i knew Anthony Kiedis (from Red Hot Chili Peppers) was in it. But it turned out to be brilliant, i am going to buy this film on DVD, as it is cool plus i get see Anthony Kideis' fit body again and again and again o.k i'll stop now. :)
Paul Smith (Email address withheld) writes:
This film has had a major effect on my spiritual wellbeing dude! radical is the only word that describes this film and I have just ordered my Reagan mask. I'm from Tunbridge Wells and I am aiming to surf the 30 year storm in Hastings this September. Cowabunga fellow followers of Bodhi.
Barney (Email address withheld) writes:
This movie is a source
It changed my life
Swear to God
This will always be my favorite movie
I felt like I was in the movie
Great casting Great music Great story
Well captured action scenes!
clo (Email address withheld) writes:
aswell i only watched this cause it had anthony kiedis of the red hot chili peppers in it it was rather a good film although i only saw up until anthony shot himself in the foot. How dissapointing.
Johan (j_lidbrink@hotmail.com) writes:
have to say that Point Break is absolutely one of the best movies ever!!
I have actually both been surfing and skydiving! And shit man, its awesome! The skydive is like nothing else! It has to be done!!
I did it when I was in Australia, an amazing country!! I did not see Bells though, besides I heard that in the movie they arent actually at Bells....
I think that the movie has so much to tell, its about life and how you can live, free, with no really boundaries, just doing what you want, be your own server.. Plese comment if you like!
100% PURE ADRENALINE!!
/ Johan from Sweden
daniel (danielangladevzla1@yahoo.es) writes:
Es una pelicula exelente, la trama en la que Bodhi poco a poco, atrae a jhonny a las situasiones, mas extremas e intensas, es algo apasionante, POINT BREAK es para mi, una de las mejores peliculas que he visto.
Michael (mikehowdoyoudo@hotmail.com) writes:
man, point break, as funny as it is, is a disgrace to surfers. they didn't use Bells at all, should have but. Tubal Cain your right on the money, all the suzz goons who are bloody wannabe surfers should shut up about how much this joke of a movie was an inspiration, and paddle out and let their surfing do the talking. you want an adrenaline rush? get up off your fat arses and go and paddle into 8 foot Padang Padang or any other reef break at low tide. it's you kind of "arm chair" surfers that the real surfers don't like. And stop using words like "cowabunga" and "radical", so one uses those except people pretending to be surfers who have perceptions from Hollywood movies...wait a second...
Aija (aija_aija@inbox.lv) writes:
I just LOVE this movie!!! Ofcourse surfing is great...but I like this movie because of the emotions that are there. My favourite moment is when Jonny runs after Bothy in the mask and then he hurts his knee, but he is not able to shoot at him...
Or other - the fact that someone is so in for smth that he is ready to die just to experience that..-Bodhy waiting his whole life for the big wave though he knows there is a very little chance or none to come back to the shore again...
Rhiannon Twitchett, 25, Ross-On-Wye (Email address withheld) writes:
I loved this film soooo much....
100% Utah! Good job!
Sir, I take the skin off chickens!
What is this pinboard piece of shit?
They call him Bohdi, the Bodhizapha... He's a searcher.
What's he searching for?
The ride! The ultimate ride!
XXXX (kenjii233@hotmail.com) writes:
i dont get it. he is searching for "the ultimate ride", but at bells with the storm it is big wave riding. Bohdi & co. are not big wave riders though. any thoughts?
Nando (loudbull@yahoo.com.br) writes:
O filme é muito bom, tanto a história quanto o grande elenco de atores.
Aqui no Brasil o filme foi um grande sucesso e hoje é o nome do nosso grupo de amigos. Caçadores de Emoção!
kokomo (kokomo7772004@yahoo.com) writes:
I absolutely love this movie! It has become one my all-time favorite. I've always love Patrick Swayze and keanu reeves. I love the ocean. I've never surfed by this is something magical about the ocean. If anyone knows a fanclub in US, let me know.
DOG (Email address withheld) writes:
I watched Point Break when it was first released and thought it was truly excellent - I felt and talked much of the same rubbish as the other people on this site. It is a very slick film.
But, being weapons trained in the military, I could see that the opening scene was shaky. No worries, it was still a good film.
Then I started skydiving and realised that those film scenes were all bull (particularly everything about the last skydive).
Then I started surfing and many years later realised that thoses scenes were all bull as well (particularly the last one).
So, it is a life defining film - once you dig a little deeper you realise that it sums up nearly everything about modern culture - its all about image, not content. Much like all the bull on this site.
Don't get off your arses and do it - stay at home.
Nuno Brandão (nunonortonbrandao@hotmail.com) writes:
hi everyone, im from Portugal, pointbreak its a great movie no dought about it.. "cmon johny its a one life time oportunity man, just let me go out there one wave before u take me, one wave! what im gonna do?!, cliffs in both sides, im not gonna peddal to New Zeland! cmon compadre"... heh; nice movie indeed..
beurre (nitischmarakkul@fsmail.net) writes:
I'm Beurre from thailand this movie is the point for me to choosed to go for studied in New Zealand. more than 50 times that I watched and spends 3-4 years to surffing all the points break around New Zealand and Aus. and more.... does anyone know when the bigest wave in every years will come for New Zealand (this Feb.) that is cool so that I miss all of them a lots. Thank you so much for making this movie and to tell me what I love the most of my life!!!!!!!!
Ginko Biablo (conall_o@hotmail.com) writes:
Great movie but does anyone know what 'Bodhizapha' is or means. I've been trying to find this out. If someone Knows pls email me.
Good movie, terrible Australian accents.
P.S "Go back to the valley man."
luca (pointbreak68@webmail.co.za) writes:
Pointbreak is one of the best movie I have ever watched : I have got the tape , I have been watching it many many times . It is about Bodhi's philosphy of life ( living freely , free from the " System " ) . Bodhi is a guru .
Long Live Pointbreak !!!!
Igs (kidyugo@yahoo.com) writes:
Point break is pretty wicked. I used to watch it when I was a kid and then just recently I saw it again. The movie captures that living spirit, ya know.
I used to think that Patrick Swayze was kinda of wack, but after Point break, I changed my mind. He's actually pretty cool.
Someone asked what Bodhizapha means. It's actually Bodhisattva. It comes from Buddhism. It's used in a few ways. A bodhisattva is a seeker that is on the path to becoming a Buddha. It also means a compassionate being that strives to enlighten all humanity. The Buddha himself is considered the ultimate bodhisattva, Bodhi means enlightened or awake, from Buddha, and sattva means being.
It's interesting because Patrick Swayze actually practiced a form of Buddhism called Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism. The practice consists of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, a mantra to a sacred scroll, a Mandala. I thought that was cool because there is a scene in the movie where Johnny (Keanu Reaves) asks Bodhi(Patrick)sarcastically if he's gonna start chanting or something and he says I might.
Point break is inspiring. It's all about that mystic aspect of life. That spirit lives in all of us. It's right in front of us, but we just don't see it. If you truly have a seeking spirit, though, it will find you.
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