Time Capsule: Marketing Point Blank

Point Blank (1967) has certainly found its place in film history in the decades since its release. These days, it's looked at as one of the earliest neo-noirs in Hollywood, as quite possibly the best-known adaptation of Richard Stark's Parker novels, and as something of a star-making turn for both Lee Marvin and director John Boorman — so, it's almost hard to believe that there was ever a time when a big-name studio like MGM didn't quite know how to handle it.

The film takes a lot of cues from the French New Wave style of filmmaking, both visually and in terms of narrative flow. For audiences raised on the Bogie-and-Bacall variety of noir, it would have been downright avant garde. On top of that, the film's protagonist is cold, traumatized, increasingly disconnected from society and human emotion; he's a criminal, and an outsider. It's a revenge story, and any hint of romance or redemption is quickly derailed in favor of obsession and greed. It's no wonder the studio couldn't quite figure it, but looking at Point Blank's promotional campaign from a modern perspective can be downright startling. Fashion shoots on Alcatraz, partnerships with local discotheques, and fan contests are certainly not the first words that come to mind when one thinks of John Boorman's thriller.

In the weeks leading up to Point Blank’s release, the press books presented here were distributed to theaters in order to provide materials for marketing the film to audiences, from print ads to radio ads and contests, to name a few. Theaters ordered promotional materials through the National Screen Service — materials that are still valuable, as they were unable to be purchased by anyone but the theaters. These press books also contained a wealth of information about the film, including quotes from the actors involved and behind-the-scenes looks at production.

Curiously, the press book makes multiple references to Point Blank being Lee Marvin’s first major film as a romantic lead, which certainly isn’t the impression most have of him, in 1967 or today. More fascinating info about the film and some great advertisements can be seen in highlights from the press book below.