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The Rewatchables ·

Death Wish

year 1974decade 70sdirector Michael Winnergenre Actiongenre Thriller
host Bill Simmonshost Chris Ryan theme Big-Ass '70s Month
All 35 categories

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award · 55:56

Kersey’s vigilantism is thrill-seeking rather than revenge

Chris Ryan: A proposal that vigilantism may reduce crime draws audible skepticism.

Chris Ryan: Kersey is characterized as a thrill-seeker because he hunts random assailants instead of his family's attackers.

The film

Death Wish (1974)

Directed by Michael Winner · Action

94

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Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Charles Bronson Paul Kersey
Hope Lange Joanna Kersey
Vincent Gardenia Inspector Frank Ochoa
William Redfield Sam Kreutzer
Chris Gampel Henry Ives
Steven Keats Jack Toby
Stuart Margolin Ames Jainchill
Stephen Elliott Police Commissioner Dryer
Fred J. Scollay District Attorney Peters
Kathleen Tolan Carol Kersey-Toby
Jack Wallace Detective Hank
Robert Kya-Hill Officer Joe Charles
Jeff Goldblum Freak #1
Gregory Rozakis Freak #3 (with spraypaint-can)
Christopher Guest Officer Jackson Reilly
Hank Garrett Andrew McCabe
Helen Martin Alma Lee Brown
Olympia Dukakis Officer Gemetti
Marcia Jean Kurtz Receptionist

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

13:24

Dr. Richard Kimble Inappropriate Body Award

Charles Bronson’s lean physique as an architect

Charles Bronson’s lean physique as an architect

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:13:24Read transcript
  • Bronson's extremely lean, muscular physique is judged implausible for an architect. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Dr. Richard Kimble Inappropriate Body Award answers
25:18

Roger Ebert's review
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:25:18Read transcript
  • Ebert gave the film three stars while calling it a quasi-fascist advertisement presented as slick action. — Bill Simmons
  • The New York Times review is reported to have called the film irresponsible. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Roger Ebert's review answers
29:41

Most Rewatchable Scene

The roll-of-quarters defense and extended Tucson sequence

The roll-of-quarters defense and extended Tucson sequence

In the discussion (8)
Approx. transcript time · 00:29:41Read transcript
  • The panel says viewers troubled by the opening assault can enter the film around the Tucson passage. — Chris Ryan
  • The roll-of-quarters defense is the first action scene singled out for replay value. — Chris Ryan
  • The Wild West saloon brawl and the broader Tucson sequence receive explicit nominations. — Chris Ryan
  • Kersey's first shooting and the later three-on-one alley shooting are nominated separately. — Bill Simmons
  • The subway double murder is nominated as Kersey grows more deliberate. — Bill Simmons
  • The subway-platform attack is discussed as Kersey deliberately raising the stakes and exposing himself as bait. — Bill Simmons
  • The final park-staircase shootout, chase, and police ultimatum form the closing scene candidate. — Chris Ryan
  • The Tucson passage is preferred as part of the film, while the last shootout is called the iconic choice. — Chris Ryan
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35:43

“OK, Motherfucker” Award for When the Movie Goes Up a Notch

The three-on-one shooting marks the moment the movie escalates.

The three-on-one shooting marks the moment the movie escalates.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:35:43Read transcript
  • The three-on-one alley shooting is selected as the moment the movie escalates. — Bill Simmons
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40:44

The most 1974 thing

Frightening New York, overcoats, magazine billboards, and long boozy lunches

Frightening New York, overcoats, magazine billboards, and long boozy lunches

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:40:44Read transcript
  • Frightening New York, a Korean War veteran hero, TWA travel, and the assault are cited as 1974 markers. — Bill Simmons
  • Wide overcoat collars and magazine billboards used to advance the plot are selected as period details. — Chris Ryan
  • Long, alcohol-heavy lunches are treated as distinctly 1974. — Chris Ryan
  • Serving liver with spaghetti prompts a separate period-food discussion. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The most "year the movie came out" thing answers
42:53

What’s Aged the Best?

The police-station atmosphere, media machinery, Bronson's physique, and Kersey's addiction to the hunt

The police-station atmosphere, media machinery, Bronson's physique, and Kersey's addiction to the hunt

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:42:53Read transcript
  • The old police-station atmosphere is selected as a durable period pleasure. — Bill Simmons
  • The film's still-current conflict over guns is judged to have aged well. — Bill Simmons
  • A study about repeat viewing leads to a discussion of familiar movies as relaxing comfort food. — Bill Simmons
  • Traumatized characters becoming catatonic and the detective seeing himself on a magazine cover receive separate mentions. — Bill Simmons
  • Bronson's physique and Kersey becoming addicted to the hunt are separate Aged Best choices. — Chris Ryan
  • The newspapers, television coverage, and press conferences are praised as a pre-internet media machine. — Chris Ryan
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45:35

The Den of Thieves Benihana Award for Scene-Stealing Location

The sex-worker diner and final park staircase

The sex-worker diner and final park staircase

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:35Read transcript
  • The sex-worker diner is chosen for its vivid collection of background characters. — Chris Ryan
  • The park staircase used for the final shootout is a second location choice. — Bill Simmons
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45:51

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Wide-angle apartment imagery before the attack

Wide-angle apartment imagery before the attack

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:45:51Read transcript
  • The distorted wide-angle apartment shots before the attack are selected for creating dread. — Chris Ryan
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46:21

The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop

Herbie Hancock's score

Herbie Hancock's score

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:46:21Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Slow Ride / Kid Cudi – Pursuit of Happiness Award for Best Needle Drop answers
47:19

Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name

Inspector Frank Ochoa

Inspector Frank Ochoa

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:19Read transcript
  • Ames Jainchill is nominated as a strong character name. — Chris Ryan
  • Inspector Frank Ochoa is preferred as a classic 1970s police name. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Chest Rockwell / Brock Landers Award for Best Character Name answers
47:36

I Used to Fuck Guys Like You in Prison Award for Craziest Quote

Jeff Goldblum's shouted threat and demand for money

Jeff Goldblum's shouted threat and demand for money

Flex pick · Chris Ryan

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:47:36Read transcript
  • A censored threat shouted by Goldblum's attacker is the first quote candidate. — Chris Ryan
  • The attacker's shouted demand for money is the alternate quote candidate. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More I Used to Fuck Guys Like You in Prison Award for Craziest Quote answers
48:22

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

Jack, the son-in-law

Jack, the son-in-law

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:48:22Read transcript
  • Jack is selected because he seems detached from his wife's condition and his father-in-law's collapse. — Bill Simmons
  • His repeated use of 'Dad' for his father-in-law is criticized as a dated and confusing detail. — Chris Ryan
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49:40

Steven Seagal Hard to Kill Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Intimacy Coordinator?

Yes

Yes

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:40Read transcript
  • The panel gives an unqualified yes when asked whether the film needed a better intimacy coordinator. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Steven Seagal Hard to Kill Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Intimacy Coordinator? answers
51:26

What’s Aged the Worst?

The assault, warrantless policing, implausible privacy, emotional detachment, and 2018 remake

The assault, warrantless policing, implausible privacy, emotional detachment, and 2018 remake

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:51:26Read transcript
  • The graphic assault and the warrantless apartment search are explicit Aged Worst selections. — Chris Ryan
  • The panel says modern cameras would identify Kersey quickly. — Chris Ryan
  • The generic Vigilante nickname is criticized as unimaginative. — Chris Ryan
  • Kersey's abrupt return to work and failure to repaint the apartment are treated as signs of emotional collapse. — Chris Ryan
  • The discussion reports that Bronson rejected casting his wife Jill Ireland in the victimized role. — Chris Ryan
  • The 2018 remake is selected as another element that aged badly. — Chris Ryan
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54:40

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

Death Wish

Death Wish

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:54:40Read transcript
  • The original proposal The Sidewalk Vigilante is discussed, but the panel prefers Death Wish. — Bill Simmons
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55:12

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

The three apartment attackers, especially Goldblum

The three apartment attackers, especially Goldblum

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:12Read transcript
  • The three apartment attackers, especially Goldblum, are selected for overacting. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers
55:56

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Kersey’s vigilantism is thrill-seeking rather than revenge

Kersey’s vigilantism is thrill-seeking rather than revenge

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:55:56Read transcript
  • A proposal that vigilantism may reduce crime draws audible skepticism. — Chris Ryan
  • Kersey is characterized as a thrill-seeker because he hunts random assailants instead of his family's attackers. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers
56:54

Casting What-Ifs

Jack Lemmon and Henry Fonda headline a large set of alternate casting possibilities.

Jack Lemmon and Henry Fonda headline a large set of alternate casting possibilities.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 00:56:54Read transcript
Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers
59:17

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Jack Wallace

Jack Wallace

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:59:17Read transcript
  • Jack Wallace wins for his familiar supporting presence as Detective Hank. — Bill Simmons
  • Stephen Keats is discussed as another recognizable supporting actor with several film credits. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers
1:00:05

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Stuart Margolin as Ames Jainchill

Stuart Margolin as Ames Jainchill

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:00:05Read transcript
Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers
1:01:10

Half-Assed Internet Research

Bronson’s location demand, difficult reputation, Garfield’s objections, and a false Denzel rumor

Bronson’s location demand, difficult reputation, Garfield’s objections, and a false Denzel rumor

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 01:01:10Read transcript
  • Bronson reportedly asked for a California shoot so he could remain near his family, while the production stayed in New York. — Bill Simmons
  • The discussion describes Bronson as quiet and difficult rather than socially warm on sets. — Bill Simmons
  • His physical condition and ability to handle action are offered as reasons for his long employment and eventual stardom. — Bill Simmons
  • Author Brian Garfield is reported to have called the film incendiary because his book was more critical of vigilantism. — Bill Simmons
  • Bronson defended the film as an attack on violence, prompting debate over whether the first film romanticizes it. — Chris Ryan
  • A long-running rumor that Denzel Washington appeared as an alley thug is reported and then rejected using Washington's denial. — Bill Simmons
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1:04:39

Apex Mountain

Bronson and vigilante films: yes

Bronson and vigilante films: yes

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 01:04:39Read transcript
  • The film is selected as Bronson's career Apex because it launched his peak star period. — Bill Simmons
  • Vigilante films are also judged to reach an apex here. — Bill Simmons
  • The Warriors is preferred for frightening New York movies. — Bill Simmons
  • Switchblades and repainting a crime-scene apartment orange receive additional playful Apex nominations. — Chris Ryan
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1:06:13

Cruise or Hanks?

Tom Hanks as Kersey

Tom Hanks as Kersey

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:13Read transcript
  • Hanks wins because the role requires softness before Kersey's violent turn. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Cruise or Hanks? answers
1:07:29

Scorsese or Spielberg?

Scorsese

Scorsese

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:29Read transcript
  • Scorsese is the immediate directing choice, while a Spielberg version is acknowledged as very different. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More Scorsese or Spielberg? answers
1:07:29

What role would Philip Seymour Hoffman play?

Philip Seymour Hoffman could play Kersey or Ochoa.

Philip Seymour Hoffman could play Kersey or Ochoa.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:29Read transcript
  • A young Hoffman is proposed as one of the attackers. — Chris Ryan
  • An older Hoffman is proposed for Kersey or Ochoa. — Chris Ryan
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1:07:58

The Dan Campbell Scale for “Holy Shit, Are They Really Going for It Right Now?”

The apartment attack: an unexpectedly escalating trick play

The apartment attack: an unexpectedly escalating trick play

Flex pick · Craig Horlbeck

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:07:58Read transcript
  • The apartment invasion is compared to a trick play that escalates unexpectedly from vandalism into extreme violence. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The Dan Campbell Scale for “Holy Shit, Are They Really Going for It Right Now?” answers
1:08:38

Picking Nits

The doctor's bedside manner, repainting the apartment, and a restaurant watching a press conference draw objections.

The doctor's bedside manner, repainting the apartment, and a restaurant watching a press conference draw objections.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:08:38Read transcript
  • The doctor's abrupt delivery of the wife's death notification is the primary objection. — Bill Simmons
  • Kersey remaining in the apartment without immediately repainting or leaving is criticized. — Bill Simmons
  • Restaurant patrons stopping to watch a police press conference are judged implausible. — Bill Simmons
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1:10:53

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

A prestige television prequel or contemporary remake

A prestige television prequel or contemporary remake

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:10:53Read transcript
  • Four sequels are noted as evidence of the property's long television afterlife. — Bill Simmons
  • A prestige prequel called The Architect is proposed around Kersey's earlier career and family life. — Chris Ryan
  • A contemporary serialized remake is proposed that gradually tracks Kersey's radicalization. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers
1:13:19

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wayne Jenkins as Ochoa; Nell in the park

Wayne Jenkins as Ochoa; Nell in the park

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:19Read transcript
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1:14:14

Just One Oscar

Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:14Read transcript
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1:14:37

Probably Unanswerable Questions

The police cover-up, Kersey's transfer, and the media aftermath remain unresolved.

The police cover-up, Kersey's transfer, and the media aftermath remain unresolved.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:14:37Read transcript
  • The panel questions whether the commissioner, district attorney, and police would all suppress Kersey's arrest. — Bill Simmons
  • Kersey's ability to explain his injury and obtain a work transfer is debated. — Bill Simmons
  • The panel asks how the police and media would respond after the killings abruptly stop. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers
1:15:46

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

Kersey's boxed gun and the People magazine cover

Kersey's boxed gun and the People magazine cover

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:46Read transcript
  • The presentation-case handgun is selected as memorabilia. — Bill Simmons
  • The in-film People magazine cover is an alternate memorabilia choice. — Bill Simmons
Share this discussion More What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie? answers
1:16:07

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Bring groceries home yourself when the store is only two blocks away.

Bring groceries home yourself when the store is only two blocks away.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:07Read transcript
  • The first lesson is to carry groceries home when the store is only two blocks away. — Bill Simmons
  • A second lesson is to leave New York when conditions make departure feel necessary. — Chris Ryan
Share this discussion More The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson answers
1:16:26

Best Double Feature

Falling Down and The Warriors
Death Wish
Falling Down
The Warriors
In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:26Read transcript
  • Falling Down is the first double-feature choice. — Chris Ryan
  • The Warriors is chosen as a capstone to the film's 1970s New York atmosphere. — Chris Ryan
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1:16:43

Who Won the Movie?

Charles Bronson

Charles Bronson

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:43Read transcript
Podcast choices
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More from the conversation

The opening frames Death Wish through the history of urban vigilante movies and rape-revenge exploitation.
Approx. transcript time · 00:03:20Read transcript
The episode tracks Bronson's rise from supporting actor to briefly dominant action star.
Approx. transcript time · 00:11:03Read transcript
The hosts debate whether the original condemns violence or romanticizes it, especially when separated from its sequels.
Approx. transcript time · 01:02:46Read transcript

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