Bronson

A young man who was sentenced to 7 years in prison for robbing a post office ends up spending 30 years in solitary confinement. During this time, his own personality is supplanted by his alter ego, Charles Bronson.

Biopics can sometimes run the risk of alienating viewers with no prior knowledge of the subject or the events that have inspired such interest. Bronson has no such problems, the recounting of the man's life making for compelling viewing, not least because of its star.

Tom Hardy's recent career is littered with this type of transformative role and for good reason. He throws himself into them with unflinching commitment and fearless temerity, baring all (in some cases more literally than others) in service of the cause. This film is no different, his portrayal of 'her majesty's most expensive prisoner' is utterly engrossing. His Bronson is darkly comic at times, though always retains a fierce menace, the lust for violence and borderline psychosis seeping through every pore. Jason Statham was apparently the initial choice for the role, but ultimately turned it down due to scheduling conflicts. This was fortunate for not only Hardy, but also the formidable piece of work that it produced.

In addition to this, the colourful cast of characters add much to the picture. They run from the quirky to the morally reprehensible, frequently providing inspiration for a number of the often hilarious foul-mouthed tirades from Bronson. The unpredictability with which he puts his questionable social skills to use leaves every scene on a knife edge, the slightest affront (whether tangible or imagined) holding the potential to induce his volatile fury.

Aside from the cast, both the construction of the movie and its ambience have much to do with director, Nicolas Winding Refn. As with his later sleeper hit Drive, the film is infused with an '80s flavour, booming synths pounding along with Bronson's fists. There's no denying that there's much more to the movie than barely repressed violence, but its abrasive nature certainly won't be to everyone's taste. Both Bronson  himself, as well as his mother, are known to be fans should that reveal anything.

How accurate the film is with the details of Bronson's life is unclear, but when all is said and done, this matters little. Whether it be completely authentic, or an embellished account, the film's strength lies in both the techniques and performances used to bring it to the screen with such vigorous force.

The Verdict:

8/10
A film that is firmly rooted in the time period in which it takes place. Hardy's performance is mesmerising, his almost constant seething rage driving the action and making for compelling, if sometimes uncomfortable, viewing.