The Rewatchables ‘Death Wish’ With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan
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May 14, 2025 Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan dive deep into the gritty world of the original 'Death Wish,' exploring its themes of vigilante justice and societal anxieties of the 1970s. They discuss Charles Bronson’s influential role and the film's cultural legacy, critiquing its polarizing reception. The conversation also takes a lighter turn, reflecting on culinary quirks and nostalgic comfort derived from past cinema. Listeners are treated to playful debates about casting choices and the absurdities of the franchise, blending humor with sharp analysis of this iconic film.
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Simmons' Childhood NYC Fear
- Bill Simmons' first New York visit was for wrestling in 1980, influenced by 70s gritty movie portrayals.
- His childhood perception made him fear NYC as a dangerous wild place, shaped by films like Death Wish.
Tucson Scene's Symbolic Power
- The Tucson sequence in Death Wish lays groundwork for the protagonist's transformation.
- It connects 1970s New York anxiety with Wild West vigilante mythology in a captivating way.
Opening Assault's Disturbing Tone
- The opening assault scene in Death Wish shocks viewers with intense violence uncommon for its time.
- Chris Ryan notes Bronson's understated emotional response makes the trauma feel detached and odd.
