Bronson’s acting style was described as powerful, gritty, and no-nonsense. He starred in popular films such as The Magnificent Seven, The Dirty Dozen, and Death Wish. In 1974, Death Wish became a landmark film, which not only brought Bronson international fame but also created a new genre of vigilantism on the big screen.
Bronson’s iconic role was that of Michael Winner’s Death Wish, which became hugely popular and equally controversial. The movie tapped into a growing sentiment of frustration and anger amongst the general public, who felt helpless and unprotected against the rising tide of violent crime in America. Bronson played the role of Paul Kersey, a former architect who becomes a vigilante seeking revenge against the criminals that harmed his wife and daughter.
Bronson’s portrayal of Paul Kersey made him a cultural icon of the age, and a symbol of the angst and aggression of the times. Critics, however, blamed the movie for promoting vigilantism and solutions to societal problems. Nevertheless, Bronson’s ability to capture the anti-hero made him a star of the new genre of action films in the 1980s.
Bronson’s success on the big screen was due to his ability to portray ruthless, tight-lipped men, with a soft heart behind a rough exterior. Bronson was a natural actor and never seemed to be acting. His facial expressions, body language, and voice were all inimitable features of his on-screen persona. He had the unique ability to evoke sympathy from the audience, even when his character was doing something morally questionable.
Bronson was married to English actress Jill Ireland, with whom he acted in a number of films. The couple was married from 1968 until her death in 1990 from breast cancer. Bronson was devastated by her death and struggled to come to terms with it. It was said that her passing left a huge void in his life and he was never the same again.
Bronson was known to be a private person, who kept himself away from the limelight. He was, however, an avid collector of art and had an extensive collection of works by artists such as Dali, Miro, and Chagall. Bronson was also an accomplished painter and sculptor himself, with some of his works exhibited in galleries worldwide.
Charles Bronson’s contribution to the world of movies and his unique acting style firmly established him as a Hollywood legend. His influence can still be seen in movies today, with many actors and directors citing him as an inspiration. He was a man who played tough and vulnerable characters with equal ease, and his films continue to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide.
In conclusion, Charles Bronson was a Hollywood icon, who left a profound impact on the cinema of his times. His portrayal of anti-heroes, his no-nonsense style, and his ability to capture the zeitgeist of the age, made him a legend. Though he is no longer with us, his films continue to inspire and entertain generations of moviegoers, and his legacy remains forever etched in cinematic history.