Usually our discussions are based on some sort of strange anomaly in filmmaking, a look at a cultural trend, or a piece of technology, but sometimes you just need to throw a few punches instead.
With that in mind, I’d like to bring up the hypothetical fist fight between Charles Bronson and Clint Eastwood. Who would win?
Of course with Eastwood at the age of 79 and Bronson unfortunately passing in 2003, this fight would be impossible now so let’s consider both men at the height of their talents. Specifically 1966 Bronson vs 1966 Eastwood.
A few things to consider:
- Bronson was in the process of filming The Dirty Dozen at the time, and would still have fuel 8 years later to begin killing everyone in Death Wish.
- Eastwood starred in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly that year.
- However, neither man can use a weapon except his fists.
- Whoever taps out first loses.
Both men proved to be brawlers in their time, even with Eastwood’s singing appearance in Paint Your Wagon. It’s essentially a fight between the city and the West. Bronson made the urban jungle his comfort zone when he wasn’t at war, and it would still be a decade before Eastwood would come out of the dusty world of cowboys and a few dollars more and enter Dirty Harry’s police cruiser.
I know my vote: Eastwood.
They are fairly evenly matched, but the West hardens a man in a way the city can’t. Plus, to quote Fight Club, skinny guys fight ’til they’re burger.
Who would win? Cast your bets now.
