The Death Wish franchise, a series of action films exploring themes of vigilante justice and urban decay, comprises five original installments starring Charles Bronson and a 2018 remake featuring Bruce Willis. This means that, including the remake, there are a total of six Death Wish movies.
The Evolution of a Vigilante: A Deep Dive into the Death Wish Saga
The Death Wish films represent a fascinating, if controversial, snapshot of evolving societal anxieties about crime and justice. The original film, released in 1974, tapped into a growing sense of helplessness among urban dwellers facing escalating crime rates. As the franchise progressed, the character of Paul Kersey transformed from a reluctant avenger to a hardened vigilante, reflecting shifting cultural perspectives on law enforcement and personal responsibility.
Each film in the series, while sharing the core concept of a man taking the law into his own hands, presents a unique narrative and tone. The Bronson films, especially the later sequels, became increasingly stylized and action-oriented, often sacrificing the original’s nuanced exploration of grief and moral ambiguity. The remake, starring Bruce Willis, attempted to modernize the story for a new generation, sparking renewed debate about the ethics of vigilantism.
The enduring appeal of the Death Wish franchise lies in its ability to tap into primal desires for retribution and control, even if those desires clash with the principles of due process and the rule of law. The films continue to be discussed and debated, prompting viewers to grapple with complex questions about crime, punishment, and the boundaries of justice.
The Death Wish Movie Lineup: A Chronological Journey
Here’s a breakdown of the six films, in chronological order, that constitute the Death Wish franchise:
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Death Wish (1974): The original film, starring Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, an architect who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually assaulted. Set in New York City, this film is often considered the most critically acclaimed and morally complex of the series.
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Death Wish II (1982): Moving the action to Los Angeles, this sequel sees Kersey seeking revenge after his housekeeper and daughter are attacked by a new gang. The violence is more graphic, and the moral justifications for Kersey’s actions become less clear-cut.
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Death Wish 3 (1985): Kersey returns to New York City to help a police officer clean up a crime-ridden neighborhood. This installment is characterized by over-the-top violence and a cartoonish portrayal of criminals. It marks a significant shift towards pure action and away from the original film’s themes.
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Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987): Kersey takes on a drug cartel after the daughter of a friend dies from an overdose. This film attempts to address the rising drug crisis of the era, but the execution is often criticized for being simplistic and exploitative.
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Death Wish 5: The Face of Death (1994): Bronson’s final appearance as Kersey finds him battling the mafia in the fashion industry. This installment is generally considered the weakest of the series, with a convoluted plot and lackluster action sequences.
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Death Wish (2018): A remake starring Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey, a surgeon who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is injured. Set in Chicago, the remake attempts to modernize the story for a contemporary audience, but it received mixed reviews.
Death Wish and its Legacy: Why Does it Still Resonate?
The Death Wish franchise, despite its varying quality and shifting focus, continues to resonate with audiences for several reasons. The films tap into a fundamental human desire for justice, particularly in situations where the legal system seems inadequate or ineffective. The character of Paul Kersey, though often criticized for his extrajudicial methods, embodies a primal urge to protect oneself and one’s loved ones.
Furthermore, the Death Wish films reflect a recurring theme in American culture: the individual standing up against overwhelming forces. Kersey’s lone-wolf approach to crime-fighting resonates with a sense of self-reliance and distrust of authority, which are deeply ingrained in the American psyche.
However, the films also raise important ethical questions about the consequences of vigilantism. The cycle of violence that Kersey perpetuates often leads to unintended consequences and blurs the lines between justice and revenge. This ambiguity is what makes the Death Wish franchise both compelling and controversial, ensuring that it continues to be debated and reinterpreted for years to come.
Death Wish: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 FAQs designed to address common queries and deepen your understanding of the Death Wish franchise:
H3 1. What inspired the original Death Wish movie?
The original Death Wish was loosely based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Brian Garfield. While the novel features a similar premise – a man becoming a vigilante after his wife is murdered – it explores the psychological toll of violence and the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands in a more nuanced way than some of the later films.
H3 2. Why did Charles Bronson keep returning to the role of Paul Kersey?
Bronson was reportedly drawn to the character’s ability to provide a sense of justice to victims who felt abandoned by the system. The financial success of the early films also undoubtedly played a role. Furthermore, Bronson enjoyed working with director Michael Winner, who directed the first and third installments.
H3 3. Which Death Wish movie is considered the best?
Most critics and fans agree that the original Death Wish (1974) is the best film in the series. It’s praised for its gritty realism, strong performances, and exploration of complex moral issues.
H3 4. Which Death Wish movie is considered the worst?
Death Wish 5: The Face of Death (1994) is widely regarded as the weakest film in the franchise. It suffers from a convoluted plot, uninspired action sequences, and a generally tired performance from Bronson.
H3 5. What are the main themes explored in the Death Wish movies?
The main themes include vigilante justice, urban decay, grief, revenge, the failure of law enforcement, the erosion of societal trust, and the moral consequences of violence.
H3 6. How did the Death Wish movies impact public opinion?
The Death Wish films sparked considerable debate about the ethics of vigilantism and the role of self-defense in a society plagued by crime. Some argued that the films glorified violence and encouraged people to take the law into their own hands, while others saw them as a reflection of genuine frustration with the legal system.
H3 7. What is the runtime of each Death Wish movie?
- Death Wish (1974): 93 minutes
- Death Wish II (1982): 91 minutes
- Death Wish 3 (1985): 91 minutes
- Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987): 99 minutes
- Death Wish 5: The Face of Death (1994): 96 minutes
- Death Wish (2018): 107 minutes
H3 8. Where were the Death Wish movies filmed?
The original Death Wish was filmed primarily in New York City. Death Wish II was filmed in Los Angeles. Death Wish 3 also returned to New York. Death Wish 4 and 5 were also filmed in Los Angeles and New York respectively. The 2018 remake was filmed primarily in Montreal, Canada, although it is set in Chicago.
H3 9. Are there any deleted scenes from the Death Wish movies available?
Deleted scenes are typically included as extras on DVD and Blu-ray releases of the films. The amount and significance of deleted scenes vary from film to film.
H3 10. What is the overall critical reception of the Death Wish franchise?
The Death Wish franchise has received mixed reviews overall. The original film is generally well-regarded, but the sequels have been met with increasing criticism for their gratuitous violence and simplistic storylines. The 2018 remake received mixed to negative reviews.
H3 11. Who composed the music for the Death Wish movies?
Herbie Hancock composed the music for the original Death Wish. Jimmy Page (of Led Zeppelin fame) was originally slated to do the soundtrack for Death Wish II however, that fell through. The music was eventually done by Jimmy Page’s sound engineer Dave King, under the pseudonym “Peago”. Brian May, of Queen fame, composed the score for Death Wish II. The rest of the films had different composers, including Paul Cannon, John Bishar, and Terry Plumeri.
H3 12. Is another Death Wish movie planned for the future?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for another Death Wish movie. However, given the enduring popularity of the franchise and the ongoing interest in themes of vigilante justice, it is always possible that another installment could be produced in the future. The success or failure of the 2018 remake will likely influence any future decisions regarding the franchise.