Monday, September 01, 2003

It was a shame that I was introduced to Charles Bronson (1921-2003) at a time when he made his worst movies. Luckily first impressions didn't stick. I came to find Bronson a very compelling though understated actor. A shame he wasn't given better material through his career. At least there are a few classics to consider.

Here are my favorites:

THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963) - Bronson was part of the large ensemble that featured Steve McQueen most prominently. I've seen it several times even at its nearly three-hour length. Bronson plays the tunnel digger that gets a bad case of claustrophobia.

THE DIRTY DOZEN (1967) - A great ensemble film with Bronson one of the most heroic of prison inmates that are let out of jail to kill some Nazis.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (1968) - Bronson plays the loner who seeks the killer of his brother. Jason Robards plays the roguishly heroic outlaw. Henry Fonda plays a believably eerie villain. Sergio Leone made too few films and this might be his all-time best.

THE MECHANIC (1972) - Not a great film, but an entertaining one with Bronson not changing oil, but killing for hire.

DEATH WISH (1974) - Not to be confused with the endless and worthless sequels. Bronson's wife is murdered and his daughter is raped. The cops are no help. They probably have speeding tickets to write. Bronson takes to the streets and starts killing bad guys, wherever he may find them. It's a great psychological study especially as Bronson starts to enjoy the job.

HARD TIMES (1975) - This movie isn't talked about nearly enough. Charles Bronson plays a depression era street fighter for money. James Colburn plays the promoter who gets the action. The men have a falling out and then are forced back together. Both actors are great. Walter Hill wrote and directed.

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