UK | 2009 | Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn
Logline: The prison life story of Michael Peterson, Britain’s most notorious criminal, originally sentenced to seven years, he’s spent thirty-four years behind bars, thirty of them in solitary confinement.
Denmark’s enfant terrible turns his attention to making a docu-drama-cum-biopic unlike anything seen before. The true story of one of the most violent, unruly, and headstrong prisoners of the British penal system who systematically sabotaged his own future, and yet made a name for himself via his alter-ego, Charlie Bronson, the prison raconteur extraordinaire, the cuckoo that flew over the clockwork orange.
A tour-de-force of narrative delivered in unconventional stylistics and driven by a central performance that seethes and blisters with a powerhouse charisma and volatile intent; Tom Hardy (who shined in Guy Ritchie’s recent return-to-form Rocknrolla) is Michael Peterson, who in 1974 was charged with the armed robbery of a post office and slapped with a lengthy sentence in one of England’s harsher gaols. He adapted to life inside with a bittersweet vengeance.
Authorities realised it was costing too much of the Queen’s resources to keep him locked up as he repeatedly damaged prison property and injured prison security, not to mention the grievous bodily harm to himself and subsequent time in the prison infirmary. While he was briefly on the outside he hooked up with an illegal fight club, earned the nickname Charlie Bronson (after the gruff vigilante Hollywood actor), became romantically involved with a young woman (who subsequently duped him), but eventually landed himself back in the insular, oppressive realm he knew best.
Refn’s sound and vision is brilliantly executed, at times surreal, at times frighteningly realistic. Early 80s electro, synth pop and opera music adds distinct flavour, and the production design is very impressive (real prisons?). Presented like a pantomime flashback told as if Peterson aka Bronson is delivering a one-man stage show, his self assurance dominates everything, as does his aggressive stranglehold on his destiny. Violence is his natural form of communication. He’s not dumb, but he’s not smart either. He’s scuttled his options and seems resigned to the consequences of his actions.
What elevates this seemingly grim and savage portrait is the black sense of humour that permeates the entire movie. It’s dark and grotesque, coal black, boys from the blackstuff material. It leers and jeers and slaps and tickles in equal measures. One scene in particular will push a few scatological buttons! Apparently the real Michael Peterson is quite proud of the movie, especially excited about his legacy continuing on after his death, his toil and trouble immortalised on celluloid. British authorities are apparently none too impressed.
The movie is filled with great supporting performances; too many to mention here, but suffice to say Refn’s natural talents in casting serves him well. Like his brilliant Pusher trilogy Bronson bristles, barks and bites like a dangerous dog (“You just pissed on a gypsy in the middle of nowhere, that’s hardly the hottest ticket in town.”) You can pat the mongrel, but be wary, and keep in mind Peterson was renowned for biting that hand that fed him. Bronson is an acquired taste, like warm beer or black pudding; its pure cinema, the source material furnishing a fascinating tale. Dramatically it falters on occasion, but there’s more than enough incident, detail and nuance of performance to lift the game and place it on a subversive pedestal.
TEASER TRAILER:
Bronson DVD is courtesy of Madman Entertainment, many thanks!
DVD cover art © 2008 Red Mist Distribution Limited
Oooh! This is one I really want to see! I first heard about it when I was watching a featurette about Rocknrolla, and Hardy mentioned it. I really really hope I get a chance to see it. Especially after your review.
Natalina, probably would only play at an arthouse cinema in the States, keep your eyes peeled at Blockbuster. Hardy is amazing.
Great review, I loved this film! Very much a tea and cookies companion to teh style of Chopper.
Oh and John Doe is anonymous!