October Challenge: Marathon Man

Marathon Man (John Schlesinger, 1976)

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Rating: Q=4, P=2 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=1, Scale 4=1

Thriller, Nazi, Spy, Brothers, Action

Eek. I have to admit, I went into this film believing I probably wouldn't enjoy anything and... I was pretty much right. The film is disturbing, in many ways- the torture sequences, the dark lighting and drab mis en scene, the eerie music, the story. Interestingly, for the first hour, I wasn't captivated at all, which I didn't expect. As soon as all the pieces fall into place, though, it is definitely full of anxious tension and suspense. Brilliant performances by Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier- creepiest role he probably ever played.

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SPECIAL: October Thriller Challenge

October is here and Halloween and horror movies are popping up on TV and on DVD shelves. My plan is to watch 10 classic thrillers, some I've seen bits of long ago, some that are new to me. All are critically acclaimed and exciting in their own unique way. Here, I've anticipated what I think I'll rate each. We'll see how well I predicted.

1. Jaws (1975)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

2. Alien (1979)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

3. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=4 Average OJ

4. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

5. Strangers on a Train (1951)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=5 Average OJ

6. The Fugitive (1993)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=3 Thanks But No Thanks

7. Bullitt (1968)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=4, P=2 Thanks But No Thanks

8. Notorious (1946)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=6, P=5 Average OJ

9. Marathon Man (1976)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ

10. Wait Until Dark (1967)

Elizabeth's Predicted Rating: Q=5, P=4 Average OJ