Marathon Man (1972)

"Is it safe?"

A film that's been on my watch list for far too long. I finally found a copy in the wild for a quarter at a thrift store, so it felt like the right time.

It's clear it has had an influence on cinema and pop culture since it's release. The cast is great and Dustin Hoffman in particular really shines throughout.

It's a very unique thriller and the pace is near perfect. The plot is so intricate and well woven that some of its more absurd elements seem completely sensible. The way the story and scenes play out keep the tension escalated the entire time and the climax works perfectly for me.

One thing I was thinking about, and this tends to be true for me when watching or rewatching older films, is how much different these stories unfold with modern technology. Simple things like using phone booths and how easy it is for Sznell to hide out in the open. Something I always find interesting.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie and I'm glad I finally got a chance to watch it. Highly recommended!