 |
| "Bronson" starring Tom Hardy http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/bronson_m.jpg |
Let's start with "Bronson" seeing as it's the most-recent film I've watched (13 September 2011) around 10pm.
After an evening out watching "Crazy. Stupid. Love" (I hate watching chick-flicks but I have to admit I enjoyed this one - plus it was $5 Tuesday) I came back home and decided I needed a dose of 'Tom Hardy'.
After watching "Warrior" (starring Joel Edgerton and Tom Hardy) this past Friday, I couldn't stop thinking about the brilliant Mr. Hardy after such an incredible emotional AND physical performance. Both Edgerton and Hardy made the film more than just another "sports movie" but for me, Hardy made the more-lasting impression and I was left wanting more.
 |
| "RocknRolla" scene http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/10800000/ RocknRolla-tom-hardy-10815368-535-586.jpg |
I have "Rocknrolla" on DVD which has Hardy playing a lovable homosexual small-time crook but it's such a small role. [For any fellow Tom Hardy fans (in case you haven't noticed, I adore Mr. hardy), my favorite scene in Rocknrolla is from approx. 1:11:15 to 1:12:00 ] I watched "Rocknrolla" but I knew it wouldn't be enough. I wanted a film that would truly showcase Tom Hardy's gift as an actor because so far it seems that his talent is rather under-appreciated (at least in the U.S.). Where could I find absolute proof to show everybody else (or at least the people I know) what they've been missing out on? So I looked for a film that would have more Hardy - this is how I came across "Bronson".
It's not a typical crime film. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn (he directs the upcoming film "Drive" starring Ryan Gosling), there is a fantastical/theatrical element that allows Hardy to stretch some acting muscles that he otherwise would not get to. There's blood and sex, but there's also a graceful beauty that makes the movie more than just some crime film. Hardy shines as this demented and charismatic criminal and appears to have committed to the character with enthusiasm and flair. Though Charles Bronson a.k.a. Michael Peterson is a scary dude with an extreme proclivity for violence, you can't help but chuckle throughout Hardy's narration as Bronson and through all the various 'shenanigans' (well, more like repeated violent altercations) in which he is always involved. There is an undeniable comedic element that lessens the blow of all the horrors that are actually being depicted. Overall, I found it to be a highly enjoyable film with an interesting story, brilliant acting by Mr. Hardy, and a greater focus on aesthetic elements of the film than most other films of this genre.
 |
| Edward Thomas Hardy http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/10800000/ RocknRolla-tom-hardy-10815368-535-586.jpg |
People may have begun to really notice the handsome Brit with those soft features and lush lips in the immense hit "Inception"; but what they don't realize is that he gave a stellar STARRING performance 2 years previous in "Bronson". He doesn't look as clean-cut and suave in "Bronson" as the eponymous antihero compared to his role as Eames in "Inception". In fact he sports a fantastic mustache (ref. to the blog background image for an idea of what to expect) and a bulkier physique (closer to his "Warrior" body) compared to his previous work. But if you are a Tom Hardy fan and/or want to see a brilliant performance in a very unique film "Bronson" is a good choice.
P.S. Probably not so good for a date night or family film but other than that a great film for a laugh/cringe/laugh/cringe. Happy watching!
No comments:
Post a Comment