Review of Bronson (2009) by Melvin W — 16 Sep 2011
A stylistically sharp but emotionally distant drama concerning the most notorious criminal in the UK (Tom Hardy) and his desire to be famous. While like any Refn film, it has a ton of atmosphere, including a skillful breaking of the third wall via Bronson speaking/performing to a live audience on stage from time to time, it never gets inside his head like it needs to.
For a man to be this powerful and disturbing, even when the split third wall aspect presents itself, it is mainly just a series of freaky faces and chest-thumping, never any real psychological breakdown.
And that's disappointing, since Tom Hardy's megawatt, career-defining performance (this turn is what ultimately caught so many eyes to lead to the star he is now in Hollywood) is simply stunning, but unlike 2001's "Chopper" (starring Eric Bana, and another film dealing with a violent criminal), it does not contain any necessary black humor whatsoever.
It is tough to say because as said, this thing has some kind of atmosphere and style, but still skip it, it probably isn't worth one's time in the end.
This review of Bronson (2009) was written by Melvin W on 16 Sep 2011.
Bronson has generally received positive reviews.
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