Podcast Summary: The Rewatchables – ‘Death Wish’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan
Introduction to ‘Death Wish’ Discussion
In this episode of The Rewatchables, hosted by Zach Lowe, Bill Simmons, and Craig Horlbeck delve deep into the 1974 classic Death Wish. Celebrating its place within the vigilante film genre, the hosts explore the film’s themes, cultural impact, and enduring legacy.
The Vigilante Genre in the 1970s
The conversation begins with an exploration of the vigilante archetype in 1970s cinema. Bill Simmons initiates the discussion by highlighting the transformation of ordinary individuals into avengers, citing iconic films like Dirty Harry (1971), Walking Tall, and Magnum Force.
Bill Simmons [03:33]: "The idea of these normal, everyday businessmen becoming Batman in New York City, usually."
Zach Lowe adds that Death Wish epitomizes this trend by presenting Paul Kersey, an architect whose life is shattered by violence, prompting him to take justice into his own hands.
Zach Lowe [04:06]: "...what this guy snapped. It's like a midlife crisis movie as much as it's like a revenge movie."
Charles Bronson’s Role and Portrayal
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Charles Bronson’s portrayal of Paul Kersey. The hosts commend Bronson’s unique presence, noting his transformation from a character actor to the central figure of an action franchise.
Bill Simmons [11:43]: "Bronson's evolving from that character actor or that supporting actor... He became the centerpiece of these films."
Zach Lowe emphasizes Bronson's distinct physicality and stoic demeanor, which contribute to his iconic status in the vigilante genre.
Zach Lowe [12:32]: "He has to be completely established at the beginning of the movie and ready to work. So that's it."
Violence and Its Impact in Death Wish
The episode delves into the film's depiction of violence, particularly the controversial assault scene that sets the stage for Paul Kersey’s transformation. The hosts discuss how this scene serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of trauma and revenge.
Zach Lowe [29:52]: "But the big question I have is with the New York City police and the media, and this is now like a circus."
Bill Simmons critiques the character development, suggesting that Bronson’s portrayal lacks emotional depth, which affects the film's ability to fully convey the protagonist’s descent into vigilantism.
Bill Simmons [30:38]: "Bronson's Just like, I guess I gotta go back to my apartment. I gotta have my family get traumatized in the worst possible way."
Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
The conversation touches on the polarizing reception of Death Wish upon its release. While some praised its gritty portrayal of urban decay, others condemned it for glorifying violence.
Bill Simmons [21:21]: "The New York Times called this film irresponsible."
Zach Lowe references real-life incidents inspired by the film, highlighting its significant yet controversial influence on both cinema and society.
Zach Lowe [20:24]: "...copycatted vigilante incidents, most famously in 1984..."
Comparison with Sequels and Modern Vigilante Films
The hosts compare Death Wish to its sequels and modern counterparts like John Wick. They note that while Death Wish laid the groundwork for the vigilante genre, its sequels often lacked the original’s depth, turning into formulaic action films.
Bill Simmons [64:27]: "John Wick is Death Wish. But then take it in an entirely different direction."
Zach Lowe points out that contemporary films often offer a more nuanced take on revenge, contrasting with the straightforward brutality of Death Wish.
Casting What-Ifs and Remakes
A lively segment involves speculative casting discussions, imagining how different actors might have transformed Death Wish. Suggestions include Jack Lemmon, Henry Fonda, and even Elvis Presley in the role of Paul Kersey.
Bill Simmons [56:11]: "I love to have seen the Sidney Lumet, Jack Lemmon version of this movie."
They also critique the 2018 remake starring Bruce Willis, arguing that it failed to capture the essence of the original and felt too similar to The Equalizer.
Bill Simmons [53:01]: "We've done it now. I think if you were gonna really try to, like, do something creative, you would basically have to tell Death Wish from the perspective of the criminals that he's hunting."
Memorable Scenes and Rewatchable Moments
Despite its flaws, the hosts identify several standout scenes that make Death Wish a rewatchable classic. Key moments include Paul Kersey’s symbolic act of swinging a roll of quarters and the film’s climactic shootout in the park.
Zach Lowe [32:05]: "It starts swinging it against the thing. It's like just kind of loses his mind."
They also discuss the effective use of setting and cinematography that heightens the movie’s tension and urban paranoia.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the enduring relevance of Death Wish and its portrayal of societal anxieties. They acknowledge the film’s contentious legacy but agree that its influence on the vigilante genre remains significant.
Bill Simmons [78:01]: "This is one of my favorite decades."
Zach Lowe concludes by teasing upcoming episodes focusing on more 1970s films, promising continued exploration of cinematic rewatchables.
Notable Quotes:
- Zach Lowe [02:15]: "Call him a mad vigilante. Call him a hero. Either way, he's always on target."
- Bill Simmons [11:43]: "Bronson's evolving from that character actor or that supporting actor... He became the centerpiece of these films."
- Zach Lowe [29:52]: "But the big question I have is with the New York City police and the media, and this is now like a circus."
Key Takeaways:
- Death Wish is a seminal film in the vigilante genre, reflecting 1970s societal anxieties about urban decay and crime.
- Charles Bronson’s portrayal of Paul Kersey is both iconic and critiqued for its lack of emotional depth.
- The film’s depiction of violence sparked significant controversy and influenced real-life vigilantism.
- Subsequent sequels and remakes failed to capture the original’s complexity, often becoming formulaic action movies.
- Memorable scenes and the film’s gritty portrayal of New York City contribute to its status as a rewatchable classic.
Final Thoughts:
Death Wish remains a complex and influential piece of cinema. While it garners criticism for its approach to violence and character development, its impact on the vigilante film trope is undeniable. This episode of The Rewatchables offers a comprehensive analysis, balancing nostalgia with critical insight, making it a valuable listen for both fans and newcomers to the film.