Review of Marathon Man (1976) by Leon H — 25 May 2010

An absolutely riveting film. This one will undoubtedly require some patience as it juggles two seemingly unrelated plot-lines for it's first third, but stick with it. Your patience will definitely be rewarded.

The suspense that director John Schlesinger is able to generate at various moments in "Marathon Man" is simply awe-inspiring. Sudden punctuations of relatively graphic violence only serve to ratchet up the dread, understanding that every scene has the potential to end horribly for a character.

I have to confess that the much-discussed, famous torture sequences involving the character's portrayed by both Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier are brilliant. If your toes do not curl watching these particular scenes.

.. well, you are certifiably devoid of any emotion whatsoever. However, as difficult as these dental procedures are to view, I still think that Schlesinger was fairly merciful on us as viewers, keeping the length of the scenes fairly short.

Anyhow, this film is highly recommended. Make certain, however, to clear your upcoming schedule of any visits to your particular dentist prior to watching if only to prevent an abrubt and unfortunate cancellation from ocurring.