Michael Winner, English director, producer, and screenwriter (b. 1935)

Exploring the Legacy of Robert Michael Winner: Filmmaker, Media Personality, and Philanthropist

Robert Michael Winner (30 October 1935 – 21 January 2013) was a prominent English figure, widely recognized for his multifaceted career as an influential filmmaker, a prolific writer, and a distinctive media personality. Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, Winner left an indelible mark on British and international cinema, primarily through his direction of numerous action-packed thrillers and dark comedies that often challenged conventional norms.

A Prolific Filmmaker with a Distinctive Style

Winner's directorial oeuvre is characterized by its dynamic pacing, often controversial themes, and a readiness to explore the grittier aspects of human nature. He was particularly known for his frequent and highly successful collaborations with two iconic actors: Oliver Reed and, most notably, Charles Bronson. These partnerships yielded some of the most memorable and commercially successful films of their era, solidifying Winner's reputation as a director capable of delivering both suspense and entertainment.

Key Cinematic Contributions and Collaborations

• The Death Wish Series: Perhaps his most globally recognized work, Winner directed the original Death Wish (1974) and its first two sequels. This highly influential and often controversial vigilante thriller, starring Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a significant box office success and igniting widespread debate about urban crime and justice. It cemented Bronson's status as a quintessential action hero and defined a subgenre.
• Gritty Action and Thrillers: Winner’s talent for crafting tense narratives was evident in films like The Mechanic (1972), another collaboration with Charles Bronson, which depicted the intricate world of a professional hitman. Its lean script and efficient direction made it a standout in the action genre. He also helmed the Revisionist Westerns Lawman (1971) and Chato's Land (1972), both starring Burt Lancaster and Charles Bronson respectively, offering a more cynical and realistic portrayal of the Old West.
• Genre Versatility: Demonstrating his diverse artistic range, Winner ventured into various genres beyond action and thrillers. These included the World War II comedy Hannibal Brooks (1969), starring Oliver Reed, which offered a unique blend of adventure and humour. He also directed the chilling supernatural horror film The Sentinel (1977), known for its unsettling atmosphere and memorable cast, and the stylish neo-noir crime thriller The Big Sleep (1978), a remake of the classic, featuring Robert Mitchum as Philip Marlowe. His satirical edge was on full display in comedies like Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976), which playfully parodied the golden age of Hollywood.

Beyond the Camera: A Prominent Media Personality

Michael Winner was as renowned for his public persona as he was for his films. In the United Kingdom, he was a ubiquitous and often outspoken media personality, instantly recognizable for his distinctive voice and often acerbic wit. He regularly appeared on television talk programmes, where his candid opinions and colourful anecdotes made him a popular and sometimes controversial guest.

His influence extended to print media through his highly popular restaurant review column, "Winner's Dinners," published for *The Sunday Times*. Winner was famous for his no-holds-barred critiques, which could be devastatingly sharp but were always entertaining and widely read. His reviews not only guided countless diners but also significantly shaped public discourse around British culinary standards.

A Lasting Philanthropic Legacy: The Police Memorial Trust

Beyond his contributions to entertainment and media, Michael Winner dedicated significant efforts to philanthropy. He was the visionary founder of the Police Memorial Trust, an organization established in 1984. The Trust's crucial mission is to erect memorials to British police officers who have died in the line of duty, ensuring their sacrifice is forever remembered and honoured. This initiative stands as a significant testament to Winner's commitment to public service and his enduring respect for law enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions about Michael Winner

What was Michael Winner primarily known for?

Michael Winner was primarily known as an English film director of action, thriller, and black comedy films, especially popular in the 1970s and 1980s. He was also a prominent media personality, a respected restaurant critic for *The Sunday Times*, and the founder of the Police Memorial Trust.

Which iconic actors did Michael Winner frequently collaborate with?

Winner notably collaborated with two major actors: Charles Bronson, most famously on the *Death Wish* films and *The Mechanic*, and Oliver Reed, with whom he worked on films like *The Jokers* and *Hannibal Brooks*.

What is the significance of the film Death Wish in Michael Winner's career?

Death Wish (1974) is arguably Michael Winner's most famous film. It was a massive commercial success that sparked considerable public debate due to its vigilante justice themes. It firmly established Charles Bronson as a global action star and became a landmark film in the urban thriller genre, spawning several sequels, two of which Winner also directed.

What was Michael Winner's role in the Police Memorial Trust?

Michael Winner was the founder of the Police Memorial Trust in 1984. This charitable organization is dedicated to creating permanent memorials in the United Kingdom for police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty, thereby preserving their memory and honouring their sacrifice.