In the pantheon of New Hollywood actors from the late 1960s and ’70s, Dustin Hoffman stands as a titan. His performances in The Graduate and Midnight Cowboy catapulted him to stardom, earning him back-to-back Oscar nominations. By the late ’70s, Hoffman had cemented his status as a cinematic powerhouse, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Kramer vs. Kramer in 1979.
Among Hoffman’s most memorable roles is his portrayal of Babe Levy in Marathon Man a 1976 thriller directed by John Schlesinger. This film, based on a novel by William Goldman, pits Hoffman against the formidable Sir Laurence Olivier, who plays the chilling Nazi war criminal Christian Szell. The movie is a masterclass in suspense, blending historical injustice with thrilling cinema.
Babe Levy’s Harrowing Journey
Babe Levy, a graduate student and recreational marathon runner, finds himself entangled in a web of international espionage. After his brother Doc (played by Roy Scheider) is murdered by Szell, Babe becomes the target of the Nazi war criminal’s relentless pursuit. Szell, a dentist by trade, uses his skills to extract information from Babe in one of the film’s most iconic and unsettling scenes.
The exposition of the film’s complex plot is cleverly woven into a high-speed car chase sequence, keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging. This approach ensures that the audience remains on the edge of their seats, much like the titular marathon man who is constantly on the run.
The Dark History Behind Szell’s Wealth
Szell’s wealth has a particularly disturbing origin. As a trained dentist, he extracted gold fillings from the mouths of concentration camp prisoners, amassing a fortune from the stolen wealth of Holocaust victims. This historical context adds a layer of authenticity and gravity to the film, making Szell one of the most terrifying villains in cinema history.
The creative team behind Marathon Man—Dustin Hoffman, John Schlesinger, and William Goldman—are all of Jewish descent. This personal connection to the Holocaust infuses the film with a sense of justice and revenge. Critic Pauline Kael, in her review for The New Yorker described the movie as a revenge fantasy comparing it to Death Wish but with a Jewish protagonist seeking retribution from the Nazis.
Critical Reception and Enduring Appeal
Despite Kael’s mixed review, calling the film fouled up right from the word goMarathon Man has stood the test of time. While it may not be Hoffman’s best film, it remains a thrilling and thought-provoking piece of cinema. The film’s exploration of historical injustice and its intense performances make it a must-watch for any film enthusiast.
In the realm of 1970s thrillers, Marathon Man holds a special place. It is a testament to Hoffman’s acting prowess and the filmmakers’ ability to blend history with suspense. Whether you are a fan of Dustin Hoffman or simply appreciate a well-crafted thriller, Marathon Man is a film that continues to captivate and inspire.
