Charles Bronson solidified his status as a cinematic icon with his portrayal of Paul Kersey, a man transformed by tragedy into a vigilante in the Death Wish film series. The franchise explored the themes of urban decay, crime, and the controversial nature of self-defense, making it a cultural touchstone, albeit a divisive one. But how many times did Bronson inhabit this morally ambiguous role? He starred in five Death Wish movies.
The Bronson Era: A Five-Film Journey of Vigilante Justice
The Death Wish films, starring Charles Bronson, began in 1974 and continued into the early 1990s. Each installment built upon the previous, though with varying degrees of critical and commercial success. The films depicted Kersey’s evolution from a grieving architect to a hardened vigilante, constantly grappling with the moral implications of his actions. The core premise remained consistent: Kersey finds himself in a new city, encounters rampant crime, and takes matters into his own hands.
Death Wish (1974)
This film marked the beginning of the saga. After his wife is murdered and his daughter brutally assaulted, architect Paul Kersey, played by Bronson, transforms into a vigilante, systematically eliminating criminals on the streets of New York City. Directed by Michael Winner, Death Wish sparked immediate controversy and ignited a national debate about vigilante justice.
Death Wish II (1982)
Again directed by Michael Winner, this sequel finds Kersey relocating to Los Angeles. Tragedy strikes again when his housekeeper is murdered and his daughter is further traumatized. Driven by revenge, Kersey resumes his violent crusade against criminals. The film is notably more graphic than its predecessor and further intensified the ethical debates surrounding the franchise.
Death Wish 3 (1985)
This installment sees Kersey return to New York City. Approached by a police officer, he’s offered immunity if he rids a particularly crime-ridden neighborhood of its street gangs. Directed by Michael Winner, Death Wish 3 shifts the focus from personal revenge to community protection, embracing a more action-oriented, almost superhero-like portrayal of Kersey.
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)
Directed by J. Lee Thompson, Death Wish 4: The Crackdown finds Kersey working as an architect in Los Angeles. This time, he targets a drug kingpin after the daughter of his girlfriend dies from an overdose. The film introduces a more sophisticated element, as Kersey meticulously plans his attacks and uses his architectural knowledge to his advantage.
Death Wish 5: The Face of Death (1994)
Directed by Allan A. Goldstein, Death Wish 5: The Face of Death is the final installment featuring Bronson as Paul Kersey. He moves to New York City once again and becomes involved with a fashion designer who is being harassed by her ex-husband, a mob boss. Kersey, now significantly older, embarks on one final campaign of revenge and violence. The film lacked the impact of the earlier installments.
Death Wish: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs aim to provide deeper insights into the Death Wish film series and its impact.
1. What inspired the original Death Wish movie?
The original Death Wish was based on the novel of the same name by Brian Garfield. Garfield was reportedly inspired by his own experience of being mugged. However, Garfield himself disliked the film adaptation, feeling it glorified violence rather than criticizing it.
2. Why was the original Death Wish movie so controversial?
The original Death Wish sparked controversy because it seemingly endorsed vigilante justice. Critics argued that the film glorified violence and encouraged viewers to take the law into their own hands, potentially leading to dangerous consequences. The film’s depiction of urban crime and racial undertones also fueled the controversy.
3. Did Charles Bronson agree with the vigilante message of the Death Wish films?
Bronson’s personal views on the themes presented in Death Wish are complex. While he embraced the character and the success the films brought him, he was known to be a private man and rarely discussed his political views publicly. He seemed to understand the appeal of the character’s actions for a public feeling increasingly unsafe, but also seemed to appreciate the complexity of the situation.
4. How did the critics respond to the Death Wish sequels?
Generally, the critical reception to the Death Wish sequels was significantly less positive than the original. Critics often cited the increasing levels of violence, the predictable plots, and the lack of depth in the character development as reasons for their dissatisfaction. However, the films still found a dedicated audience.
5. What made Charles Bronson such a compelling Paul Kersey?
Charles Bronson brought a unique combination of stoicism, intensity, and a working-class everyman quality to the role of Paul Kersey. His weathered face and understated acting style made him believable as a man driven to desperate measures. Audiences often sympathized with Kersey’s grief and frustration, even if they didn’t condone his actions.
6. How did the Death Wish movies reflect the anxieties of the 1970s, 80s and 90s?
The Death Wish movies tapped into widespread anxieties about urban crime and the perceived failure of law enforcement in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. As cities experienced rising crime rates and economic hardship, many people felt vulnerable and powerless. The films offered a cathartic release, allowing viewers to vicariously experience a sense of control and retribution.
7. Are the Death Wish movies considered exploitation films?
The Death Wish movies are often categorized as exploitation films due to their focus on graphic violence and sensational subject matter. While they explored relevant social issues, their primary goal was arguably to entertain through shock value.
8. Was there a remake of Death Wish?
Yes, a remake of Death Wish, starring Bruce Willis, was released in 2018. This version updated the story to reflect contemporary anxieties, focusing on gun violence and the perceived inadequacies of the legal system. The remake faced similar criticisms to the original, with some arguing that it glorified violence and promoted a dangerous message of self-justice.
9. Did Brian Garfield, the author of the original novel, approve of the Death Wish films?
Brian Garfield famously disavowed the Death Wish films. He felt that the films misinterpreted his novel’s message, which he intended as a critique of violence rather than an endorsement of it.
10. What is the legacy of the Death Wish film series?
The Death Wish film series left a complex legacy. On one hand, it generated significant debate about the role of violence in society and the ethics of vigilante justice. On the other hand, it contributed to the popularization of the action hero archetype and may have normalized the use of violence as a means of problem-solving. The series also cemented Charles Bronson’s place as a cultural icon.
11. Which Death Wish movie is considered the best by fans and critics alike?
The original Death Wish (1974) is generally considered the best film in the series by both fans and critics. It’s praised for its strong performances, its thought-provoking exploration of complex themes, and its relatively grounded depiction of violence compared to the sequels.
12. Are there any plans for future Death Wish movies?
As of this writing, there are no confirmed plans for future Death Wish movies. The 2018 remake did not perform well enough to warrant a sequel. However, given Hollywood’s penchant for reboots and remakes, it’s certainly possible that the franchise could be revived in the future. The enduring themes of crime, justice, and the moral complexities of violence continue to resonate with audiences, making the Death Wish story potentially relevant for generations to come.