Review of Bronson (2009) by Kevin P — 05 Jan 2019

Strengths: Itâ(TM)s all about Tom Hardy (Michael Gordon Peterson/Charles Bronson). He is phenomenal in this movie, giving arguably the best performance of his career. Every single time he appears on screen, which is basically the entire movie, itâ(TM)s gripping. You never know what heâ(TM)ll do next and he plays the unhinged role so well. He looks exceptionally crazy in the final two or three scenes. Choosing to lay the film out the way it is was smart. Our protagonist tells the story, either in an interview like setup or as if heâ(TM)s part of a vaudevillian theater. Itâ(TM)s wacky and fits his chaotic persona.

Weaknesses: Other than Tom Hardy, none of the actors are even remotely memorable. Nobody does anything of interest other than our lead. While Hardy is fantastic and the style the story is told in works, the film doesnâ(TM)t say a whole lot. All we really learn is that Bronson is a troubled man who became even more troubled after his years of solitary confinement. A lot of things seem to go uncovered. For example, his wife and child are never mentioned again after he first goes to prison. Even if they stopped communicating with him, that should at least be mentioned. It makes their inclusion feels pointless.

Overall: A typical movie watcher may not dig this. Itâ(TM)s told in such a weird style that itâ(TM)s not for everyone. Thatâ(TM)s one of the best aspects about it and Tom Hardy is outstanding. But, thereâ(TM)s not a whole lot to this beyond him.