Capitalizing on the unique and clever direction of Nicholas Winding Refn and the potent and witty personality of the film's main subject, Bronson is a film that breaks down borders, providing for an unusually fun and explosive journey through the rigors of hell.
Told in the style of a personal memoir, we get introduced to Bronson, Britain's most violent prisoner, during the film's opening moments. His demeanor, personality and devilish antics are quickly brought to the forefront as he lays the groundwork for the film that would soon show his life. His words, leading viewers along throughout the entire film, are spoken with a harsh, matter-of-fact tone as they become the lone constant in a worlds of ever change.
Beyond the narration, the film excels through its direction and Tom Hardy's faultless performance. Fully encompassing the body and mind of Bronson, Hardy digs deep, brining forth a man who seeks pain and suffering. His performance is haunting; yet the dialogue and personality combat that image with one of wit and hysteria. Rarely is he not laughing at himself or those around him, using his violent tendencies to bring about the most bi-polar character in recent memory. His performance is spellbounding, addicting and painfully intense, helping to set the tone throughout.
On the other side of the camera, Refn does a brilliant job at showing the two sides to Bronson. With a unique blend of color and an eye for shot selection, the film carries a gritty, almost documentary style to it. The bloodshed and overpowering movements are captured in a classic, state of the art way, showcasing the showmanship of Hardy and the strong camera work of Refn. The cell rooms are perfectly planned out, showing Bronson's numerous attempts at escape, and the way in which each moment is captured puts the audience up close and personal.
Together, the two aspects compliment one another nearly flawlessly, serving up the ultimate adventure for those on screen and shining some light on a one-of-a-kind character in Charlie Bronson. The film is violent, with a constant possibility of bloodshed, but with the progression of the story, anything less would be a sheer disappointment.
