Bronson's Loose!: The Making of the Death Wish Films

By Paul Talbot

In the summer of 1974 the movie Death Wish stunned audiences with its powerful story of an enraged businessman who hits the streets with a handgun to avenge the brutal violation of his wife and daughter. The film packed theaters with cheering moviegoers, became one of the highest-grossing and most controversial movies of the year, and turned star Charles Bronson into the hottest screen icon in the world.

Over the next twenty years, four increasingly-violent sequels delivered thrills to a growing legion of fans and solidified the legend of Charles Bronson.

Now, for the first time, Death Wish fanatics, Bronson cultists, and action movie lovers will discover fascinating information about the series. In exclusive comments, director Michael Winner, actor Kevyn Major Howard, novelist Brian Garfield, and many others reveal what it was like to work on the Death Wish movies with one of the most charismatic and elusive stars of all time.

Covering every aspect of all five movies (including unused casting suggestions, deleted scenes and alternate cuts) and loaded with rare advertising artwork, Bronson's Loose : The Making of the 'Death Wish" Films tells the compelling, untold story behind the most explosive action series in film history.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595379826
• ISBN13: 9780595379828
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

You Don't Have to be a Death Wish Fan to Love This Book

You don't have to be a DEATH WISH fan -- and I'm not -- to enjoy this highly entertaining and informative book about the making of the cult classic Charles Bronson vigilante film and its lesser (and inevitable) sequels. Author Paul Talbot has done a remarkable job, interviewing all the major players behind the development and production of the DEATH WISH movies (including Brian Garfield, the author of the original novel), and delivering a tight little book that is packed solid with fascinating details and wonderful anecdotes. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in screenwriting and movie-making. It's a lot of fun to read. (As an aside, it's surprising to me that this book was self-published by Talbot -- through iUniverse -- rather than coming from an established NY publisher. The book deserves a wide release in brick-and-mortar stores and but it's unlikely to happen with an iUniverse title, and that's a shame).

Bronson's Back!

This is a great book! There aren't many pages in this book, but it is full of very interesting information about Charles Bronson and the Death Wish films. It's also very easy to read. I'm a big fan of Charles Bronson, but I didn't know a lot about his personal life until I read this book. After reading this book, I have even more respect for Bronson and it was fun learning all the behind the scenes facts about the films. The first film was the best, but any movie Charles Bronson is in is much better than today's so called "big stars". Bronson was a real movie star. I highly recommend this fun and easy to read book!

Our 'wish' has been granted

Of the 150 motion picture and television appearances by Charles Bronson, none have gained more cult support than the five-installment 'Death Wish' series, a fact that inspired Paul Talbot to research the entire history of its productions. Written for Bronson and action film enthusiasts, 'Bronson's Loose!: The Making of the Death Wish Films' covers two decades of Paul Kersey lore, answering many of the questions that fans have asked for years. Talbot, an independent filmmaker and film historian, gives the complete timeline of five movies inspired by Brian Garfield's 1972 vigilante novel that only had modest success in bookstores. Using publicity materials, contemporary news articles, and personal interviews with members of the 'Death Wish' staff, 'Bronson's Loose!' gives detailed and respectful accounts of how Garfield's concept became a long-lasting B-movie franchise, starting with its original 1974 production that enthralled audiences until the 1993 making of 'Death Wish 5: The Face of Death,' Charles Bronson's final motion picture credit. This 161-page book offers an intriguing foreword by Andrew Stevens, who played roles in two motion pictures with Bronson, 'Death Hunt' (1981) and '10 to Midnight' (1983); his thoughts shed valuable light on the departed actor's mystique. Talbot's own history is well-written and easily approachable, focusing on interviews with director Michael Winner, late producer Bobby Roberts, actor Kevyn Major Howard, screenwriter Gail Morgan Hickman, and others. 'Bronson's Loose!' is also packed with supplements, including a 'Death Wish' filmography, soundtrack listing, and bibliography. Images of publicity materials and home video covers are included, which give further life to the saga (although in black and white). The 'Death Wish' series has been made available on DVD, which should renew interest in Bronson's film legacy. Talbot's book, published by iUniverse, is an informative companion to the five movies besides recalling Bronson in a more human light and giving an offbeat portrait of Hollywood filmmaking. It is highly recommended for lovers of the action genre, especially Paul Kersey enthusiasts.

If you're A Death Wish/Bronson Fan - Heaven!

First thing's first - this is the mother of all 'niche' books. But if, like myself, you have a childish glee at Charles Bronson/80s Action B-movies-and specifically the Death Wish flicks then this is essential! Packed full of great insights into the saga, with some juicy behind the scenes gossip and a whole bunch of rare facts and trivia. This is a beautifully researched book, written with reverence for the subject while being realistic about the products. I hope that the author turns his hand to more niche movie groups as the style is accessable, fun but always informative and to the point. The Death Wish films hold a special place in the hearts of 80s VHS B-Movie fans and it's great to see them celebrated. As most of the participants are now sadly dead, there is never likely to be a documentary or special edition DVD set of these fun and funky flix, so this book is really is the behind the scenes be all and end all for fans of the series. Seriously, if this is a subject matter you have interest in you're gonna love this!