Blogcritics Comments on Charles Bronson Dies at 81

Comment by MCH

Mon, 6 Mar 2006 19:43:58 EST

Well, E.O., we may disagree on the invasion and occupation of Iraq, but we're on the same page regarding Charlie Bronson. Hard Times was my favorite Bronson movie, also, followed by The Dirty Dozen.

Comment by Eric Olsen

Tue, 2 Sep 2003 08:14:39 EDT

T, I knew he didn't become a star until he was older, but time does fly. Jim, good one. I think he was so successful because he really was someone you wouldn't want to fuck with, as it were.

Comment by Jim Carruthers

Mon, 1 Sep 2003 22:16:33 EDT

It takes a tough guy writer to write about a tough guy actor. Harry Crews on Charles Bronson: "He stood utter still, and I tried to rember what that way of standing reminded me of. And then I knew. Charles Bronson stands like a pit bulldog. He somehow manges that kind of balance with only two feet. It is the kind of balance only the very finest athtletes, the world-beaters, have."

Comment by TDavid

Mon, 1 Sep 2003 20:38:06 EDT

Bet folks are out buying Bronson DVDs this week. If anybody here is in that mode, skip with the Death Wish sequels because they were pretty much awful, but Death Wish is definitely a goodie for the library. Apparently Bronson in his later years was a bit upset that he was typed as being an action movie guy. Odd point of view for a guy who reached stardom through action movies, if this is accurate, of course. Also, am I the only one who didn't realize Bronson was in his eighties? I would have thought he was in his 60's maybe. He was a good actor and will be sorely missed. R.I.P!

Comment by Eric Olsen

Mon, 1 Sep 2003 19:36:47 EDT

Great point about the persona Ed, one of the most distinctive ever.

Comment by Ed Driscoll

Mon, 1 Sep 2003 19:05:16 EDT

Eric, I was sorry to read that Bronson has passed away. But every time I was at the supermarket checkout in the past couple of months, the National Enquirer or The Star had cover stories that he was in bad shape. Those magazine are certainly full of hype, but over the years, I've noticed, if they report a celebrity is ailing--he's a goner. I once read an interview with Brian Garfield, the author of the book, Death Wish. Ironically, he wanted a milquetoast actor--specifically Jack Lemmon(!) to play the Paul Kersey character when it came time to shoot the film. And I can't say I blame him; you're too busy waiting for Bronson to go nuts, instead of watching this timid, urbane architect being transformed his wife's death into a vigilante. But the film's timing was perfect, the script and direction by Michael Winner surprisingly good, and it properly made Bronson into a legend. (Neat score by Herbie Hancock, too.) Good actor--great persona. He'll be missed. Ed