"Marathon Man" (1976)

I think it would be hard to describe “Marathon Man” and sum it up into a singular T.V. Guide sentence.

Let me try. A graduate student, living in the darkness of a famous father’s suicide is inadvertently thrusted into international diamond trade by a Nazi in hiding.

Really?

I love the writer William Goldman…and I’m certain this read better than the John Schlesinger movie we got, but this is silly. I think a lot of the lack of common sense holes could be settled had this supposedly intelligent man put the pieces together, with the information given. It’s Dustin Hoffman, for crissakes.

But maybe…it’s because we’ve seen too many movies where we expect no one to be who they are. It obviously means a lot more to me to believe the worst in every character introduced, then it does to go along for the ride. And when you look for those holes, the movie feels really dumb. But don’t let that be the deterrent.

Yes, the intrigue isn’t as great as it may have been in 1976. It was great to see Laurence Olivier be an evil character. And much had been said about his ailing health during the making of this movie. What we get is a dying light in the autumn years of life which really showcased why he was such a beloved actor.

Hoffman, and his Method-y acting, on the other hand is annoying. Maybe I subscribe to a different style, but there may be a reason why Kubrick and Hoffman hadn’t done a project together. You can literally FEEL Hoffman acting. He’s so quick with quips and unrealistic play on moments (that exists only to move to the final outcome) that you wish this idiot would be bumped off. The unfortunate thing is…he’s just too Hoffman. Sure of himself, and where life takes him that when he is derailed you are tits deep in Method. These people are annoying. In hindsight, Brando was probably the biggest offender and probably benefit more from just being a celebrity and actual acting chops. To be honest, I’m sure even would admit to milking it for all its worth (“Superman” for instance).

I’m not completely sold on this movie. When we get to the part in New York, a city of millions where a former Nazi in their 70’s are recognize, you kind of throw up your hands waiting for it to end.