Bronson

In 1974, a misguided 19 year old named Micahel Peterson decided he wanted to make a name for himself and so, with a homemade sawn-off shotgun and a head full of dreams he attempted to rob a post office.  Swiftly apprehended and originally sentenced to 7 years in jail, Peterson has subsequently been behind bars for 34 years, 30 of which have been spent in solitary confinement.

An intelligent, provocative and stylised approach, Bronson (based on a true story) follows the metamorphosis of Mickey Peterson into Britain’s most dangerous prisoner, Charles Bronson.

Bronson is quite a surprising film.  It paints quite a bleak and sad picture of it’s subject character rather than turn him into a hero which many biographies have a tendency to do.  To begin with I thought they were going to suggest some sort of miscarriage of justice over the length of Bronson’s incarceration but actually the film shows you what he did, what he seemingly continues to do and why he deserves to be in there.  It just seems that he really enjoys prison and loves the title of ‘Britains most violent prisoner’.

Charlie Bronson does have charm, is funny and is quite the character but as well as this you can’t help but feel like he could kick off at any moment and there’s a sense of dread that follows him around. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of him is top notch, he had the necessary acting skills for the job but more importantly he had the mustache and the guns.  He bulked up for the role which involved putting on 3 stones of muscle and doing 2,500 press ups a day.

Bronson is quite a unique take on a life so violent.  It in no way glamorizes it and it takes more of an art-house approach to the style in which it is filmed.  Those looking for an over the top action film with tons of violence will be disappointed but those looking for an insight into the life of a charismatic, violent, serial offender will be more than satisfied.

There is some controversy over the movie at the moment with many in the prison service saying it’s glamorizing the life and crimes of Michael Peterson (aka Charles Bronson), they clearly haven’t seen this film.

DVD Extras

-Exclusive monologues from the real Charles Bronson

-Making Bronson

-Tom Hardy’s Workout

-Stills Gallery

-Director’s commentary

-Trailer/Teaser/TV Spots

-Valhalla Rising Promo

~Review by Lee