"I always wanted to be famous" (Bronson (DVD))

Member Name: doncasteryb

Product:	Bronson (DVD)
Date:	07/06/09 (34 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gritty realism

Disadvantages: Compared to Clockwork Orange, which I didn't rate

Peterson (Bronson) begins by telling us he had a conventional childhood - nothing to suggest the path his life would take. Peterson went on to getting expelled from school, then acquiring a mundane job, where he met the woman he would go on to marry. From this point it seems that the realisation hit him, that there wasn't alot of opportunity around. We get some perspective on the accommodation he and his family lived in - sparse to say the least, which is when Peterson robbed the local post office.
He was renamed by his boxing promoter as Charles Bronson, his "fighting name". His first spell in prison turned out to be, unusually, something he enjoyed, a place to "sharpen his tools" - even to the point that he compares his cell to a hotel room.

The soundtrack complimented the movie exceptionally well from Pet Shop Boys singing 'It's a Sin', New Order's 'Your Silent Face' ranging to Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala Milan playing 'Attila: Chi Dona Luce Al Cor? (Verdi)'. They all serve to create the atmosphere which was clearly turbulent.

The Director, Nicolas Winding Refn, had no qualms about being graphic in his telling of this Luton born notorious criminal, through his direction of Bleeder (1999).

The movie had a gritty realism that left nothing to the imagination. Bronson's carnal knowledge of using his fists is focused on in scenes where he becomes engrossed in tensing his muscles expressing his inability to channel his energies into something positive. This culminates in him becoming, to some extent, an Artist, where he makes more of a positive choice in utilising his hands. In reality, this endeavour has recently netted him £1,500 on Ebay.

Tom Hardy, probably best known for his role in Star Trek Nemesis and also RocknRolla (as the main villain - Picard's nemesis)where he was nominated for a Saturn Award for best supporting actor. Hardy plays the role of Bronson well, engaging in the nude scenes without a sense of vanity. From his usual 10st physique, Hardy clearly worked hard at being able to portray Bronson in all his glory.

Matt King (starred with Tom Hardy in Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla) played a supporting role as he befriended Bronson during his time in prison.
Personally, I thought the film was made well and gave me further insight into the man behind the bravado. During his 34 years behind bars he has taken 11 hostages, fought with 20 prison warders and savaged many more fellow inmates. He has, indeed become Britain's most dangerous prisoner and received world wide acclaim.

This low budget movie didn't spend much time at the box office, but is available now on DVD, priced at £11.98. Definitely worth a watch!

Summary: A movie based on the true story of Britain's most dangerous criminal