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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.

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
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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
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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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1:08:38

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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1:14:37

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
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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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