Death Wish (1974)

For being more than 30 years old this film still shocks with its violence, especially the plot catalyst scene. This film has sparked much discussion over the years. Some love it, many hate it. Writing Guru Robert McKee even equates it with a Nazi worldview. This is, of course, ridiculous. The theme of this film is stated plainly, “a person has the right to defend himself.” That said the morality does become confused. The main character puts himself in situations that require him to defend himself and finishes off his attackers after they are no longer a threat. But, still the theme is one of self-defense and not of world domination and the wanton slaughter of innocents as Mr. McKee would have us believe. The film also plays on the theme of government’s inability to defend its own people. One thing I found interesting was the idea that the city dwellers were too civilized to defend themselves. Also, their disconnection with the land and how it creates a false view of the world is very powerful. If you like this movie fine. If not that’s fine as well. Just don’t write it off. It is a complex character-driven film that deserves more than that.