Bronson (Nicolas Winding Refn 2009) : Biopic of UK's 'most violent prisoner'.

[Ratfink]

I've been looking forward to this for a while now, and noticed a poster on the underground for the first time today. Seems it's set for a March 13th Release.

A film on the UK's 'most violent prisoner', who has spent the majority of his time in solitary confinement due to the danger towards other inmates - and directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, the man behind the outstanding Pusher Trilogy? Sign me up! If it's anywhere near as good as those, then this will be something very special indeed!

More info from the BFI site below:

Originally Posted by BFI.org.uk

Much anticipated and destined to court controversy, Nicolas Winding Refn’s (The Pusher Trilogy) portrait of notorious lifer and the UK’s ‘most violent prisoner’, Charles Bronson, is an ambitious and brave attempt to create a biopic of a man who has spent 34 years of his life in prison, and 28 of those in solitary confinement. Whilst confronting the extreme brutality which has characterised Bronson’s life, Winding Refn endeavours to get to the heart of such a desperate existence. Born Michael Peterson, Bronson’s ambition was simply to be famous. With a limited sphere of opportunities, the criminal world offered a theatre in which he could cultivate his stylised persona. Winding Refn deftly shows how Bronson creates a warped alternate reality and stages himself within it, raising the critical question that in creating Bronson the Philosopher, the Artist and the Joker what is left of the real man?

Physically transformed, Tom Hardy gives an extraordinarily visceral and psychological performance as Bronson, his laconic voice-over serving as the framework for the Bronson cabaret. In showing the repetitiveness of Bronson’s existence punctuated by finely choreographed violent set pieces, Winding Refn continually brings the focus back to the mundanity of the man and the terror of the myth.

[Mr Majestik]

Trailer makes it look good...

[Ratfink]

Well, caught this today, and thought it was great fun!

A slightly more ambitious project for Nicolas Winding Refn, Bronson retains his grainy visual style, while being far more experimental.

Although based on 'Britain's most violent criminal', this is less biopic, and more playful tribute to Bronson's lively character - and what a character he is. Brilliantly played by Thomas Hardy, who sure looks the part - beefed up, shaven headed with a huge handlebar moustache - he swaggers, grins, and yet oozes the tension of a ticking human time bomb - one that goes off on frequent occasion. It's a remarkable performance.

The narrative approach to Bronson is particularly unique; focusing on Bronson the showman, Refn creates a fictional stage persona for him: on stage, in front of a theatre audience, dressed in top and tails or makeup, he narrates his story. It's a style that works particularly well, and showcases both the showmanship and humour behind the character, while creating a platform for the character to perform. The heavy bursts of music in Bronson play a large part, from 80's hits by artists such as The Pet Shop Boys, through to soaring operatic numbers, invoking comparisons to the violence set to classical music in Clockwork Orange; it's a style that works well, and visually it's always a treat.

While never scaling the heights (or depths) of Refn's outstanding Pusher trilogy, this is still a highly entertaining look at a notorious individual. His boundless energy may be expended through violence, but thanks to Hardy, it's the character's charisma that really shines, and he makes for very compelling viewing.

Recommended!

[Psycho]

I saw the advert for this in the Metro and it cought my eye. It didn't really say much about the film but just had the bald bloke looking menecing and a nice red colour to it.

I thought it might be a bit like 'Chopper' and I really liked that.

I'll probably pick it up on DVD or Blu-Ray.

Psycho

[Ratfink]

Well, if you liked Chopper, you may like this, as there are natural similarities there.

[Psycho]

I'm now going to look into getting 'Pusher' Trilogy on DVD but did a search here and found that it's non-anamorphic!

Psycho

[Ratfink]

^ Which ones you looking at? Go for the R1 Magnolia - or just buy individual releases: Anchor Bay (US) or Momentum (UK) for Pt 1, Magnolia (US) for Pt's 2 and 3

You'll love the Pusher films, they are just brilliant!

[subtitlemeplease]

mint

[SShaw]

A superb piece of experimental film making with a stand-out performance from Tom Hardy. However, given the material I'm slightly uncomfortable with the fact that I 'enjoyed' the film.

[Royle]

Really enjoyed Chopper so I'll definitely keep an eye out for this.

[RomerojpgX]

Went to see Bronson last night.

Got there and it was sold out bugger. Looks to be more popular than I expected.

Had to see the only other 18 rated film (again) Watchmen.

Shame as Bronson had me wanting to see it and I cannot see it playing much longer than 1 week, hope I am wrong then I can go next weekeend.

[MARKMAN]

Saw this last night at a very packed cineworld in Sheffield. Not a bad film, not great though.

The worst part was, as I anticipated, the screening was full of wannabe hardmen who found it hilarious to talk all the way through the film, not because they had something to say just because they aren't supposed to talk.

They were drinking beer, smoking weed and just generally being morons.

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by MARKMAN

Saw this last night at a very packed cineworld in Sheffield. Not a bad film, not great though.

The worst part was, as I anticipated, the screening was full of wannabe hardmen who found it hilarious to talk all the way through the film, not because they had something to say just because they aren't supposed to talk.

They were drinking beer, smoking weed and just generally being morons.

did you say ...or do anything ?

[chris21]

So this is what my brother meant the other night when a Charles Bronson film was on TV and he told me he's doing life.

I have to admit it came as a shock...

[MARKMAN]

Originally Posted by Celtic

did you say ...or do anything ?

What are you going to do against a bunch of pack hunting chavs?

I can certainly handle myself, but you have to pick your fights.

[sleep4ever]

Saw it yesterday

Tom Hardy's performance makes the film, he is very good indeed, its worth watching just for that reason alone

Did laugh a couple of times, 'Hold onto your fillings because its about to get ******* lairy' probably the best line

But I agree with SShaw about not being comfortable enjoying it based on the source material.

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by MARKMAN

What are you going to do against a bunch of pack hunting chavs?

I can certainly handle myself, but you have to pick your fights.

No offence meant Marksman, no one said anything about fighting.....this is the one thing to avoid....I simply meant did you report them to management

I myself have found out the hard way....you are better to let management get the punch on the nose. ..if you report it to management and they do nothing about....don't go to that cinema again.....let them loose your business...

Sometimes its best to fight with your brain....

[RomerojpgX]

Originally Posted by Celtic

Sometimes its best to fight with your brain....

Yup I take out my brain stick it on a shoelace and smash the Chavs faces in!

[Celtic]

Originally Posted by RomerojpgX

Yup I take out my brain stick it on a shoelace and smash the Chavs faces in!

Romero....unurthodox approach.,....but highly effective I suspect !

[baloobas]

Saw this yesterday and thought it was fantastic.
Really reminded me of Kubrick in places and I thought Tom Hardy was sensational as Bronson. I'll have to check out the Pusher trilogy now.
One of the best films of the year (mind you it's been a pretty crap year so far !).