MARATHON MAN

Although director John Schlesinger has made some of the worst films of the past two decades, “THE BELIEVERS”, “NEXT BEST THING”, and “EYE FOR AN EYE”, he’s also made some of the best films of all time, “MIDNIGHT COWBOY” and “MARATHON MAN”.  “MARATHON MAN” is a cinematic masterpiece for many reasons.  To begin with, screenwriter extraordinaire William Goldman adapted it from his own novel, and it’s brilliant and provocative on many levels.  Both Schlesinger and Goldman give their audience credit for being smart enough to not have to spell everything out.  There are also various plotlines being carefully juggled at the same time, all working together to ultimately weave a complex but intelligent story.  Dustin Hoffman stars as a graduate student, haunted by the suicide of his father, and working to clear his father’s besmirched name with his thesis paper.  His older, financially successful brother, Roy Scheider, is actually a CIA agent, who’s only recently become aware that some of the nefarious people he’s dealing with want him dead.  One of the things “MARATHON MAN” has going for it is the way it deals with the spy world.  Scheider is completely believable in his role. He’s a badass when he needs to be, but never in an unrealistic fashion ala “James Bond”.  He knows how to kill with his bare-hands, but he’s certainly not invincible, and he foolishly overestimates his own abilities, and underestimates those of others, with horrible results. 

 Laurence Olivier gives one of his best performances as an infamous nazi, forced to come out of hiding in order to take off with diamonds he’s accrued from his victims, after his brother responsible for their safeguarding dies in a freakish car accident.  The film offers terrific performances from every supporting player, including the finest ever from William Devane as well as the beautiful Marthe Keller.  As with any great film, there are more than a few scenes which will stay with the viewer long after the film’s over, e.g. ..the “Is it safe?” scene with Olivier playing mad dentist!

 PARAMOUNT has preserved the film’s correct 1.85:1 aspect ratio with 16:9 enhancement.  The image is outstanding!  Color values are solid, and while the design never calls for bright colors, they’re always well balanced.  The detail to the imagery is also impressive.  Contrast is flawless, and blacks and greys are deep. Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

 PARAMOUNT has given the film a Dolby Digital 5.1 mix.  While there are no surround “directional” effects, the wonderful score is utilized with the rear speakers and it adds greatly to the film’s tension at key moments.  The dialogue is well focused and free from distortion. 

There are various supplements making this an even more essential addition to everyone’s dvd library.

 A featurette, “THE MAGIC OF HOLLYWOOD…IS THE MAGIC OF PEOPLE” offers some great “behind-the-scenes” footage as well as interviews and other promotional footage surrounding the film’s production.

 “REMEMBERING MARATHON MAN” allows Bob Evans, William Goldman, and actor Roy Scheider, Dustin Hoffman, as well as others, the opportunity to revisit the film’s production.    Their memories are always entertaining!

 “REHEARSAL FOOTAGE”  offers actual footage from the film set, as well as giving the actors an opportunity to discuss the film’s actual production.