Review of Death Wish (1974) by David G — 27 Jan 2011

Much loved revenge flick, a breath of fresh air at the time which still holds up well today. It's success and popularity spawned several sequels and countless imitators. Charles Bronson stars as Paul Kersey, a New York architect who becomes a cold-blooded killer following a brutal gang attack on his family that leaves his wife dead and daughter catatonic. Every night he wanders the mean streets, using himself as bait to lure out muggers before blowing them away with his .32. Soon enough, stories of the "vigilante" are all over town - muggings are down, the public are applauding him and whilst the cops are closing in on Kersey, they can't take him down for fear of a public backlash and rising crime rates. It's up to Detective Ochoa (Vincent Gardenia) to convince Kersey to quit before it's too late.

It's a simple story but what makes it so great is how accessible it is. Kersey is a character that we can all identify with - he's no superman, just an average joe in an extraordinary situation. He could be any one of us, and his vigilante night life plays out the revenge fantasies I think we've all had at one time or another. It's low-key and subtle but at the same time powerful.

Critisisms? Well as much of a cult hero as he is, Charles Bronson is perhaps a little too restrained as Kersey. I don't know whether it was intentional (which makes little sense) or simply because he lacks the acting chops but you never feel much emotion from him. Is he distraught at the attack on his family? I'm not sure, it's hard to tell. The film's called "Death Wish" but does he really care whether he lives or dies? No idea. The character is still interesting but you have to wonder how someone like Robert Redford would have handled it.