CULT DVD Review

 Bronson

 Overall: 61%

 Feature: 62%

 Extras: 60%

 Top 1000 Disc

 

Bronson (2008)

A bizarre, invigorating character study of Charles Bronson aka ‘Britain’s Most Violent Man’. Tom Hardy plays the bulked up prison inmate with charm and terror whilst director Nicolas Winding Refn takes a rather alternative route in bringing a prison drama to the screen.

Born Michael Gordon Petersen, Bronson changed his name to suit his more theatrical style - and who best to suit his new persona than the star of Death Wish himself. Bronson story has been widely reported in the British tabloids. As Britain’s longest serving inmate he has constantly held prison guards at ransom for odd demands. The only predictability of his character is that he is not to be trusted with anyone, hence why he has spent 30 of his 34 year sentence in solitary confinement.  Bronson was initially jailed for seven years after a robbery at a post office. With good behaviour he could have been out of prison within four years. However it’s within the prison system where Bronson finds his calling card, a penchant for violence, chaos and destruction. He is like the living embodiment of the Joker from the Batman franchise. The man is completely off his trolley. As seen in the film he is often naked and preparing himself to battle against the guards. He has nothing except a primeval instinct to fight with others.

So now to Danish director Refn’s take on Bronson’s story. It’s a stylistically ambitious approach to the tale. We regularly have intervals of Bronson talking to an imaginary crowd of people as he stands on stage coated in make-up. The soundtrack is chock-full of electronic dance beats and classical excerpts that play alongside slow motion action scenes of Bronson’s manic fighting. The narrative is rather a mixed bag and it’s never quite clear where the story is taking in place in Bronson’s lifetime. That’s not important however as this film is more like a piece of art than a film. A very odd, unusual film that is not quite what you would expect. Hardy is outstanding in the role and he embodies a manic, dangerous energy throughout. It’s disappointing that we don’t really get to know what makes Bronson tick but at the end of the day I think the film is more about the director than it is about its subject matter.

EXTRAS:

Commentary:

A very good commentary that has film critic Alan Jones throwing questions at the director. Refn is a very honest host and explains his take on the man’s story thoroughly. He also takes on board the constant similarities to Kubrick from critics and notes that he was more influenced by Kenneth Anger. He also talks about his working relationship with Hardy, who he butted heads with but still had a wonderful creative relationship. Very interesting also is the story of the actress from Skins who got fired because she wouldn’t do a sex scene. It’s good to hear a commentary from a director who just tells it all.

Making Of:

Around 15 minutes, this is an informative quick look into the making of the film and how it all came about.

Audio Introduction from Charles Bronson:

The man himself introduces the film. This caused a lot of controversy when it was first played in a theatre due to the fact that the man is in solidarity confinement.

Tom Hardy: Building the Body:

A quick look into how Tom and his personal trainer managed to bulk the actor up to have that hulking physique.

TV Spots:

A handful of TV spots for the film.

Trailers:

No trailers for Bronson but other films including director Refn’s own, Valhalla Rising.

Stewart McLaren

FEATURE: 62%

EXTRAS: 60%

 

OVERALL: 61%

 

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