Rated R, but it’s a pretty soft R.
It’s probably safe to listen to the 402nd Ellises’ Analysis…although feel free to ask if it is again. And again. And again. Marathon Man is absolutely filled from start to finish with paranoia, torture and pain. Some of those themes—like the arrogant rich versus the desperate poor—have barely aged. The film’s subtext remains oh so timely even 45 years later. The acting styles of Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier famously clashed hard, but that also brings sizzle to the squirm-inducing scenes they have together. And, yes, the poster isn’t lying. It’s a thriller. So go get that stash of diamonds and don’t fall on your own sleeve-knife in the process, but also just try acting as we feverishly chat about Dusty on the run.
Well, Actually: We’ve covered Hoffman in 8 films now, including Kramer vs. Kramer. Also, Hoffman turns 84 later this week (on August 8th). Also also, Hoffman definitely has socks on his feet when the “is it safe” scene first begins.
Sparkplug Coffee has been our sponsor for many years and they continue to peddle excellent java. They’ll dole out a 20% discount if you use our promo code (“top100project”).
If you tweet, find us @moviefiend51 and @bevellisellis
Ryan has another podcast and it’s all about sports films: Scoring At The Movies
LINKS:
1976 Academy Award winners and nominees
Links to: Midnight Cowboy and Kramer vs. Kramer and Straw Dogs and The French Connection and Reservoir Dogs
Previously on The Ellises’ Analysis: Mean Girls
August 9th on The Ellises’ Analysis: Harold And Maude
T100P 