
As a movie enthusiast, I’ve always found that unauthorized vengeance makes for the most compelling stories. You see, an officially sanctioned revenge tale just wouldn’t pack the same punch. It’s the law-breaking, the gritty underbelly, that gives these movies their edge. I trace the modern revenge film back to “Joe” (1970), where Peter Boyle’s character took on a hippie commune with vengeance in his heart. But let’s not forget classics like “Walking Tall” (1973) and “Death Wish” (1974), which showcased men taking matters into their own hands, armed with everything from handguns to hickory clubs. These films played a significant role in shaping the conservative narrative, long before Fox News – their ‘no mercy’ message was echoed in countless right-wing talk radio broadcasts. The legacy of this genre could arguably be seen in the emphasis on revenge in Donald Trump’s political agenda. At times, he appears more like the Punisher than the President.