Paul Kersey (character)

Paul Kersey is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Death Wish series of films. The character was originally created by Brian Garfield for his 1972 novel Death Wish, which was subsequently adapted into a 1974 film of the same name starring Charles Bronson as Kersey. Paul Kersey is portrayed as an architect (and in later films, a vigilante) who becomes a controversial figure as he takes the law into his own hands after his wife and daughter are victimized by criminals.

Character Overview

Paul Kersey is introduced as a mild-mannered and successful architect living in New York City. His life undergoes a tragic transformation after his wife is murdered and his daughter sexually assaulted by muggers. The events lead Kersey to embark on a vigilante crusade against criminals, using his own form of justice to combat crime. Over the course of the series, Kersey's actions spark debate over vigilantism, justice, and the effectiveness of the legal system.

Development

The character of Paul Kersey was developed by Brian Garfield as a response to the increasing crime rates in the United States during the 1970s. Garfield's novel explores themes of justice, revenge, and vigilantism, questioning the morality and consequences of taking the law into one's own hands. The film adaptation, directed by Michael Winner, amplified these themes, turning Paul Kersey into a symbol of citizen justice. Charles Bronson's portrayal of Kersey became iconic, defining the vigilante genre for years to come.

Films

The Death Wish series consists of five films released between 1974 and 1994:

1. Death Wish (1974)
2. Death Wish II (1982)
3. Death Wish 3 (1985)
4. Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)
5. Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994)

In each film, Kersey confronts various criminals and crime syndicates, using his ingenuity and firepower to seek justice. The series is known for its action sequences, moral dilemmas, and the exploration of the impact of violence on society and the individual.

Legacy

Paul Kersey has become a cultural icon, representing the complexities and controversies surrounding vigilantism. The character has sparked discussions on self-defense, the right to protect one's family, and the failures of the criminal justice system. The Death Wish series has influenced numerous other films, books, and television shows featuring vigilante characters seeking justice outside the legal framework.

Reboot

In 2018, a reboot of the original Death Wish film was released, starring Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey. This version updates the setting to modern-day Chicago and reimagines Kersey as a trauma surgeon who turns to vigilantism after his family is attacked. The reboot reignited conversations about the character and the ethical implications of vigilantism in contemporary society.