Bronson

Year: 2008
Genre: Biography
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn


Plot: Loosely based on a true story about Michael Peterson, the most dangerous prisoner in Britain, who takes on the name Charles Bronson while being in solitary confinement.


The gist: Halfway through this film, I didn't understand what the heck I was watching, and even now I don't fully understand it. Perhaps I felt that there's a wide gaping hole in it that needs to be filled, even though most critics are happy enough to leave the film as it is.

The film focuses on one Michael Peterson, who although had a good upbringing, gets into fights and violent scraps and then sentenced to prison. In prison, he continues this behavior and earns a reputation for being so dangerous, he gets transferred again and again, and gets sent back to jail not long after his release.

Thing is, the filmmakers never explained his motivations for getting into fights. We see Peterson, who renames himself Charles Bronson (after the actor) attack other people, inmates and guards alike, without provocation. But why? Is he crazy or does he love fighting? Who knows? Nicolas Winding Refn didn't bother to say so, perhaps because that's not the kind of film he's going for. I get that, but still, a bit of substance would be nice. Instead, we get Bronson presenting his story to an audience on stage, in a satiric manner, which is a unique touch, but for me it's not enough.


The good: At least Tom Hardy is excellent in the role. Now, I don't know how the real Bronson was like, but Hardy obviously worked hard to get into the shape required for the role (i.e. bulky) and he is intimidating even when he smiles. He owns the role, that is for certain.

The bad: A lack of substance on the man's motivations make the film hard to comprehend at times. There were several attempts by Refn to humanise the guy, but it's not enough to help me understand the man.


Verdict: If you want a thorough story on Bronson, go to Wikipedia. This film doesn't quite answer the question on him, preferring to make a satire out of his character. Hardy's the best reason to see this, but it's frustrating to watch this film on a whole. (2.5/5)