Bronson

UK Release: 13th March 2009

Watched on Recorded TV: Tuesday 22nd November 2011

Rating: 18

Genre: Action, Biography, Crime

Runtime: 1hr 32mins

Tagline: The Man. The Myth. The Celebrity. 

IMDb Plot Synopsis: In 1974, a hot-headed 19 year old named Michael Peterson decided he wanted to make a name for himself and so, with a homemade sawn-off shotgun and a head full of dreams he attempted to rob a post office. Swiftly apprehended and originally sentenced to 7 years in jail, Peterson has subsequently been behind bars for 34 years, 30 of which have been spent in solitary confinement. During that time, Michael Petersen, the boy, faded away and 'Charles Bronson,' his superstar alter ego, took center stage. Inside the mind of Bronson - a scathing indictment of celebrity culture.

My Review: Gruesome, violent, vulgar... Bronson packs a punch alright. But inspite of its brutal nature, it was clever, touching and I loved it! It may be brash but it grabs you from the word go and was, incredibly, one of the most poignant films I’ve seen all year. 

This is almost entirely down to the star that is Tom Hardy. I’ve been a fan of Hardy for a few years now and this film was made for him. I literally could not think anyone else could play the part and Hardy played it to the ultimate perfection: changing from chilling to humble to hysterical in a flash. Bronson proves that Hardy is one of the finest actors of his generation and should really deserve far more credit than he’s getting. He clearly got inside the complex psyche that was Charles Bronson. What a life he’s had! 

Director Nicolas Winding Refn (who was also behind this year’s Drive) outdid himself. It was beautifully shot, and had a theatre quality to it, reflecting Bronson’s nature. I loved the red tinted shots at the beginning evoking blood, setting up the tone of the film fantastically. It left me with a sadness for Bronson

I think it’s testament to the makers of this film that I, an 18 year old girl who doesn’t usually like violent ‘masculine’ films, can watch and thoroughly enjoy this film. 

Score: 9/10