This is a SPOILER review of Death Wish, the 1974 vigilante, exploitation film based on the novel by Brian Garfield. Death Wish was criticized for its support of vigilantism and the advocating of the punishment of criminals, an idea that doesn’t sound controversial at all to me. Join us live in chat tonight and let us know what you think!
Discussion
- Log Line: A New York City architect becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is murdered by street punks in which he randomly goes out and kills would-be muggers on the mean streets after dark.
- 1974 American vigilante action exploitation film loosely based on the 1972 novel of the same title by Brian Garfield.
- the film was criticized for its apparent support of vigilantism and advocating unlimited punishment of criminals.
- Allegedly, the novel denounced vigilantism, whereas the film embraced the notion.
- 15 Surprising Facts About Death Wish
https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/78435/16-lively-facts-about-death-wish- 1. it was inspired by a couple of real-life crimes (that were much less violent).
- 2. originally sidney lumet was set to direct, with jack lemmon starring.
- 3. henry fonda and george c. scott both turned down the lead role.
- 4. charles bronson and his agent disagreed on the film’s message.
- 5. brian garfield thought bronson was all wrong for the part.
- 6. bronson thought dustin hoffman should have played his part.
- 7. jeff goldblum made his film debut in the movie.
- 8. olympia dukakis had a small role, but doesn’t look back on the film fondly.
- 9. there was concern about using the word “death” in the title.
- 10. herbie hancock wrote the score, at the suggestion of michael winner’s girlfriend.
- 11. garfield thought the movie and his book sent different messages.
- 12. the movie got some harsh reviews.
- 13. audiences loved it so much that paramount pictures charged them more money to see it.
- 14. chicago and san francisco refused to air it on tv.
- 15. sylvester stallone wanted to remake it.
- Budget $3.7 million
- Made $22 million at the box office.
Cast
- Director: Michael Winner
- Writers: Brian Garfield (novel), Wendell Mayes (screenplay)
- Charles Bronson – Paul Kersey
- Hope Lange – Joanna Kersey
- Vincent Gardenia – Frank Ochoa
- Steven Keats – Jack Toby
- Kathleen Tolan – Carol Toby
Links
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/
- 7.0/10 stars
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Wish_(1974_film)
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_wish
- 67% with an 68% audience score