Review of Death Wish (1974) by Kyle H — 23 Aug 2009

Paul Kersey: Any chance of catching these men?

Lt. Briggs: There's a chance, sure.

Paul Kersey: Just a chance?

Lt. Briggs: I'd be less than honest if I gave you more hope, Mr. Kersey. In the city, that's the way it is.

A 70s vengeance movie featuring Charles Bronson and a pro gun defense message that gives you an overall weird feeling after its ended.

I'm pretty sure Charles Bronson is probably the ugliest action star, next to Steven Segal. Anyway, he stars as Paul Kersey, a New York architect who is in deep grief following the rape of his daughter and death of his wife at the hands of some hooligans led by Jeff Goldblum. A business trip in Arizona gives Paul time to evaluate his situation, as some back story about his past is revealed at a gun club, where he hits the bulls-eye of several targets.

After arriving back in New York and receiving a gun as a gift, Paul decides to take the law into his own hands, which turns the movie into a cat and mouse game involving Paul, many, many muggers, and the police chasing a man they have dubbed, "The Vigilante.".

What really bugged me about this movie was how steely eyed Bronson's Paul is after he starts killing. I really got nothing from what he was trying to accomplish. His demeanor suggests that he simply just enjoys what he is doing, but Bronson just being silent and violent didn't add up to me accepting this character's motives. There is a reason Batman does what he does and it is made clear in the comics and films, which is why he is more of a compelling character.

Still, I liked the work from the police side of the story. I was generally entertained by the visceral quality of Paul's mugger-stopping escapades, and the score by Herbie Hancock is solid.

Sam Kreutzer: I'll bet muggings are down, and they're afraid to tell us.

Paul Kersey: There's only one way to find out. Take a walk on Columbus Avenue tonight.

Sam Kreutzer: Thanks a lot, Paul. I think I'll wait for the official report.