Flashpoint, a lean and tense political thriller from the Cold War era, is a cult classic that taps into the deep-seated paranoia of its time. The film stars Kris Kristofferson and Treat Williams as Bob and Ernie, two weary U.S. Border Patrol agents in Texas.
Their mundane duties take a drastic turn when they stumble upon a buried jeep in the desolate desert. Inside, they find a long-dead skeleton, a massive stash of cash, and a cache of high-powered rifles.
Unknowingly, they have unearthed a decades-old government conspiracy that threatens to get them killed.
As they try to make sense of their discovery, the two agents find themselves pursued by a shadowy, highly-organized group of assassins. The film slowly unravels the mystery, revealing that the contents of the jeep are connected to the Kennedy assassination.
The plot is a cat-and-mouse game, with Bob and Ernie desperately trying to expose the truth before their pursuers, including the ruthless Jean Smart, can silence them for good.
Flashpoint’s tension is palpable, and its sense of dread is heightened by the excellent supporting performances from veterans like Rip Torn, who plays a former government official with his own secrets, and Kurtwood Smith, who portrays a relentless investigator.
The cast is rounded out by Tess Harper, Kevin Conway and Miguel Ferrer.
Flashpoint was the first production of Silver Screen Partners, a joint venture between cable television station HBO and Columbia Pictures.
Kris Kristofferson in Flashpoint (Photo/TriStar Pictures)
Reception for Flashpoint
Flashpoint grossed $1.9 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 12 at the box office. The top film of the weekend was Tightrope, which earned $7.1 million.
The film would gross $3.9 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave the film three out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Released in theaters on August 31, 1984, Flashpoint didn’t achieve blockbuster status but has earned a dedicated following over the years. Its legacy is rooted in its gritty, no-frills approach to the conspiracy thriller genre, standing in stark contrast to the more polished and action-heavy films of the decade.
It’s a prime example of a film that relies on suspense and character-driven drama rather than explosions. While its ’80s-era aesthetic and plot points may feel dated to some, its themes of government distrust and the personal cost of exposing powerful secrets remain relevant and resonate with modern audiences, making it a powerful and prescient piece of cinematic history.
