Dr. Christian Szell is a fictional character from the 1976 film Marathon Man, directed by John Schlesinger. He is portrayed by the actor Laurence Olivier and is depicted as a former Nazi dentist who becomes a ruthless assassin. Szell is known for his chilling demeanor and his infamous dental torture methods, which he uses to extract information from his victims. In the film, Szell targets the protagonist, Babe Levy, played by Dustin Hoffman, who unwittingly becomes involved in a dangerous plot surrounding stolen diamonds. The character of Szell is memorable for his complex personality, blending intelligence with a menacing presence, making him one of cinema's iconic villains.