# Death Wish

> 1974 film by Michael Winner

**Wikidata**: [Q841961](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q841961)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_Wish_(1974_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/death-wish

## Summary
Death Wish is a 1974 American vigilante action film directed by Michael Winner, based on Brian Garfield's 1972 novel. The film stars Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, an architect who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter sexually assaulted by home invaders.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1974, with multiple international release dates spanning from July 1974 to August 1980
- Directed by Michael Winner, who also directed the sequel Death Wish II (1982)
- Stars Charles Bronson in the lead role as Paul Kersey
- Produced by Dino De Laurentiis Company, a former entertainment production company founded in 1983
- Based on the 1972 novel by Brian Garfield
- Classified as an action film, drama film, vigilante film, and rape and revenge film
- Set in the United States, a country located primarily in North America
- Has 33 sitelinks on Wikidata and is titled "Death Wish (1974 film)" on Wikipedia

## FAQs
What is the plot of Death Wish?
Death Wish follows Paul Kersey, a New York City architect whose wife is murdered and daughter sexually assaulted by home invaders. Traumatized by the attack, Kersey becomes a vigilante, taking justice into his own hands by targeting criminals on the streets of New York.

Who directed Death Wish?
Death Wish was directed by Michael Winner, a British filmmaker known for his work in the action and thriller genres. Winner also directed the sequel Death Wish II in 1982.

What genre is Death Wish?
Death Wish is classified as an action film, drama film, vigilante film, and rape and revenge film. It combines elements of crime thriller with social commentary on urban violence and vigilantism.

## Why It Matters
Death Wish is significant for its controversial portrayal of vigilante justice and its impact on the action film genre. The film sparked debates about urban crime, gun control, and the ethics of taking the law into one's own hands. Its success led to a franchise of four sequels and influenced numerous other films in the vigilante and action genres. Death Wish also cemented Charles Bronson's status as an action star and became a cultural touchstone for discussions about crime and justice in 1970s America.

## Notable For
- Launching a successful franchise with four sequels
- Establishing Charles Bronson as a major action star
- Sparking controversy and debate about vigilantism and urban crime
- Influencing the vigilante film subgenre and action cinema
- Adapting Brian Garfield's novel into a highly successful film
- Featuring a memorable score by composer Herbie Hancock

## Body
### Production and Release
Death Wish was produced by the Dino De Laurentiis Company, a prominent entertainment production company founded in 1983 (though the company existed under different names prior to this date). The film was directed by Michael Winner, who had previously worked on various British films before transitioning to Hollywood productions. Death Wish was released in 1974, with a staggered international release schedule that extended into 1980, indicating its sustained popularity and distribution reach.

### Cast and Characters
The film stars Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, an architect who becomes a vigilante after a violent attack on his family. Bronson's portrayal of Kersey became one of his most iconic roles, defining his career as an action star. The supporting cast includes Hope Lange as Kersey's wife, Joanna, and Vincent Gardenia as Detective Frank Ochoa, who investigates the vigilante killings.

### Genre and Themes
Death Wish is classified under multiple genres, reflecting its complex narrative and thematic elements. As an action film, it features intense sequences of urban violence and vigilante justice. The drama elements explore the psychological impact of trauma and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The vigilante film classification highlights the central theme of taking the law into one's own hands, while the rape and revenge subgenre addresses the initial catalyst for Kersey's transformation into a vigilante.

### Cultural Impact and Controversy
Upon its release, Death Wish sparked significant controversy due to its graphic violence and its portrayal of vigilantism as a solution to urban crime. The film's depiction of a civilian taking justice into his own hands resonated with audiences concerned about rising crime rates in major cities, particularly New York. However, it also faced criticism for potentially glorifying violence and promoting a simplistic view of crime and justice.

### Legacy and Influence
The success of Death Wish led to the creation of a franchise, with four sequels released between 1982 and 1994. The film's influence can be seen in numerous subsequent vigilante and action films, many of which explore similar themes of urban violence and individual justice. Death Wish also contributed to the ongoing debate about gun control and the role of citizens in law enforcement, discussions that continue to be relevant in contemporary society.

### Technical Aspects
The film features a score by renowned jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, marking one of his early forays into film composition. Hancock's music contributes to the tense atmosphere of the film and has become an integral part of its identity. The cinematography captures the gritty urban landscape of 1970s New York, enhancing the film's themes of urban decay and social unrest.

### Reception and Box Office
While specific box office figures are not provided in the source material, the multiple release dates and the creation of a franchise suggest that Death Wish was a commercial success. The film's controversial nature likely contributed to its box office performance, as it generated significant discussion and debate among audiences and critics alike.

## References

1. [Source](http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/death-wish-film)
2. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/)
3. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=34381.html)
4. [Source](http://www.cinematografo.it/cinedatabase/film/il-giustiziere-della-notte/14084/)
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/fullcredits)
6. Death Wish. Rotten Tomatoes
7. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/releaseinfo)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/parentalguide/#certificates)
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071402/technical/)
11. [Box Office Mojo](https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0071402/)
12. Kinopoisk
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/death-wish/)
14. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
15. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
16. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/43272)
17. Bechdel Test Movie List
18. mymovies.it
19. The Movie Database
20. Kanopy
21. TheTVDB
22. Trakt.tv
23. FilmVandaag.nl