Restless justice advocate sparks new action genre character: the livid, middle-aged self-appointed avenger

In 1974, the silver screen was ablaze with a dazzling array of action and adventure films that left an indelible mark on cinema history. One of the most iconic releases of the year was the gritty vigilante thriller, Death Wish.

Based on Brian Garfield's 1972 novel, which argued against indiscriminate violence, Death Wish seemed to support the vigilantism of its protagonist, Paul Kersey, played by Charles Bronson. Kersey, a seemingly ordinary architect, transforms into a relentless avenger after a brutal attack on his family. The movie, directed by Michael Winner, treats its criminals without a central villain or a clear plot, focusing instead on Bronson's character wandering around and executing criminals.

Death Wish spawned four sequels and inspired other action movies like The Exterminator and Vigilante. However, it was not the only car-chase movie to grace the big screen in 1974. Dirty Mary Crazy Larry and the original Gone In 60 Seconds also made their mark in a year that was an all-time great for such films.

The cultural climate of America, still reeling from the aftermath of Vietnam and generational culture wars, was reflected in Death Wish. The film's portrayal of criminals as subhuman and monstrous was a reflection of the societal fear and anger of the time.

1974 was also a peak year for blaxploitation, with Jim Kelly's Black Belt Jones and the all-star team of Jim Brown and Fred Williamson in Three The Hard Way making their mark. Meanwhile, Pam Grier established her tough-as-hell persona and became a blaxploitation superhero in the movie Foxy Brown.

Other notable films of the year include Mr. Majestyk, where Charles Bronson delivered a memorable performance, Five Shaolin Masters, a great early example of an ensemble Shaw Brothers kung fu movie, and The Man With The Golden Gun, one of the better Roger Moore Bond movies.

In The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three, Walter Matthau played an ordinary man pushed into heroism, while Clint Eastwood took on the role of a charming-but-taciturn small-time criminal in Thunderbolt And Lightfoot.

Death Wish also featured Denzel Washington in his first screen appearance, playing a character who meets a grim end at the hands of Bronson's Paul Kersey. Jeff Goldblum made his film debut in the same year, portraying a psychopathic character in Death Wish.

One of the most unusual action movies of the year was Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia, a truly deranged film by Sam Peckinpah.

In conclusion, 1974 was a remarkable year for action cinema, with Death Wish standing out as a testament to societal fears and desires of the time. The year also saw the rise of blaxploitation and the debuts of future stars like Denzel Washington and Jeff Goldblum.

Restless justice advocate sparks new action genre character: the livid, middle-aged self-appointed avenger