The Rewatchables 'Marathon Man' With Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan
Jun 18, 2025
Dive into the thrilling world of 'Marathon Man' where Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan dissect the film's unforgettable characters and the chilling portrayal of villainy. They explore urban paranoia in 70s cinema and how historical events shaped narratives. The duo reflects on Dustin Hoffman's method acting style, contrasting it with contemporaries and examining typecasting in Hollywood. Expect laughs as they analyze cinematic sound mixing, memorable moments, and the quirks of urban living, all while celebrating this classic film's legacy.
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Olivier's Villain Masterclass
- Laurence Olivier's portrayal of the villain Christian Zell perfectly balances frailty and terrifying evil.
- This performance remains a benchmark for convincing on-screen villains decades later.
Hoffman's Distinct Acting Niche
- Dustin Hoffman's roles often show his nervous, cerebral typecasting, with less diversity than peers like Pacino.
- His characters bring a particular energy, but lack the cool charisma of other 70s leading men.
Tense Hoffman-Olivier Set Moment
- Dustin Hoffman claimed to have been up three days to simulate exhaustion, irritating Olivier.
- Olivier's famed response poked fun at method acting, adding tension on set.
