Bronson: DVD Review
Bronson
Rating: R18
Released by Madman
Described on the cover as A Clockwork Orange for the 21st Century,
this is an unforgiving biographical pic of the UK's most notorious
criminal, Charles Bronson.
Played with a wonderful theatrical feel by Tom Hardy, this takes a
look back at what shaped the man behind bars - and how one of the
UK's most vicious criminals was created.
The story is told in a rather unusual and visually captivating way
- in front of an audience, Bronson tells us he always wanted to be
famous; with his bald head, polished dome and large handlebar
moustache, he cuts a comical figure; almost clown-like in his
mannerisms and speech - but heaven help you if you mock him -
because there's also an explosion of violence around the
corner.
And it's merely minutes before the fighting begins; Refn cuts
directly back and forth from Bronson's speech on the stage to his
taking on a series of guards and battering them black and
blue.
It's jail where Bronson blooms gleefully cementing his title as a
violent uncontrolled offender - and it's here the film becomes a
little confrontational as it shows there's no hope of reform for
this character.
However, it succeeds, thanks to the stunning and towering
performance from Hardy himself; while Bronson's never going to be a
likeable character, it's Hardy's performance which makes him so
compelling to watch.
There's some great visual touches and an extension of the
performance of a clown sees Bronson at his peak - Hardy's
mesmerizing turn never sees you off guard; you're 100% sure of his
propensity for explosive violence but yet you can't help but watch
this portrayal.
Extras: Teaser trailers, commentary and interview
with director Nicolas Winding Refn
Rating: 7/10
