Review of Marathon Man (1976) by Judge L — 09 Apr 2011
Marathon Man's plot holes are sundry and varied. Listing them all would tax my endurance and yours, so it's just best to say that in spite of these narrative gaps in logic, the film is immensely enjoyable and tense.
It's pitiable that Roy Scheider was not used more in his pseudo-James bond role, but the movie is not about him but about Dustin Hoffman. Before we become too entrenched in the mindset of a political/espionage thriller, Hoffman's naive everyman places us squarely in the straightforward thriller vein (as straightforward as conspiracy thrillers are, at any rate).
The cast is excellent, particularly Laurence Olivier who is extremely frightening as the worst possible villainous combination Hollywood has given us. I really can't think of much worse than a Nazi dentist.
Schlesinger's bleak, kinetic, but not frenetic direction kept me glued right to my seat. Taken solely as entertainment, Marathon Man succeeds on all counts.
This review of Marathon Man (1976) was written by Judge L on 09 Apr 2011.
Marathon Man has generally received positive reviews.
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