An internet debate has broken out over the trailer of movie remake “Death Wish”, with some netizens saying that Bruce Willis’ shooting down of criminals is racist and ill-timed.
The movie was directed by Eli Roth, who also helmed the gory hit films “Hostel” and “Hostel 2”. His remake of “Death Wish” stars Willis as Paul Kersey, a regular joe who becomes a vigilante after police refuse to help him find the men who killed his wife and violated his daughter.
According to a report by Salon, Roth’s remake mostly stayed true to the 1974 classic. However, the idea of a white man picking up a gun and shooting several people in the name of vigilante justice is being seen as inappropriate for the modern era. This is a sentiment expressed in social media as well:
One comparison stated that in the 1970s movie, the character portrayed by Charles Bronson sought justice with only a snub-nosed revolver. On the other hand, the remake has Willis’ character handle multiple types of firearms, which include semi- and automatic models. The way the lead character is being portrayed is also said to have been made in such a way that going on a killing spree could look like a trip to the amusement park.
Given recent reports of men and teenagers shooting randomly at innocent citizens, the movie allegedly appears to condone the use of automatic firearms by a regular individual. Some netizens believe this aligns with Trumpian thought.
You can watch the trailer below and see whether the movie is indeed inappropriate for our times, or if it’s just another Bruce Willis action flick to look forward to, when it premieres on November 22. Alfred Bayle/JB