Posts Tagged Tom Hardy

The Bikeriders: A Gritty Journey into the Midwest Biker World

June 26, 2024 at 8:02 am · Filed under Film & DVD Reviews ·Tagged , , , , , ,

750 words, 4 minutes read time.

In Jeff Nichols’ film “The Bikeriders,” viewers are transported to the tumultuous world of Midwest biker clubs during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Drawing inspiration from photographer Danny Lyon’s book of the same name, the movie immerses the audience in the raw and gritty life of the Chicago Vandals, a motorcycle club led by the formidable Johnny, portrayed by Tom Hardy.

Johnny emerges as a central and compelling character, embodying the toughness and resilience that define the biker lifestyle. Inspired by Marlon Brando’s portrayal in “The Wild One,” Johnny forms the Chicago Vandals, seeking the same sense of freedom and rebellion. Despite having a family waiting for him at home, Johnny remains fiercely dedicated to his position within the club. This juxtaposition of familial responsibilities and the dangerous, ever-changing dynamics of life on the road adds profound depth to his character and the overall narrative. His leadership style, characterized by a blend of toughness and loyalty, and his interactions with other club members make him a memorable presence in the biker world, capturing the essence of the subculture’s raw spirit.

Kathy, played by Jodie Comer, serves as the audience’s gateway into this rugged and often violent world. Initially, she views the biker lifestyle with a mix of curiosity and a sense of adventure, intrigued by the freedom it represents. As she spends more time with the Chicago Vandals, her fascination deepens, and she becomes emotionally invested in their world. However, Kathy’s journey is marked by a growing awareness of the club’s darker aspects, including violence, criminal activities, and the erosion of its original purpose. This realization forces her to grapple with conflicting emotions, oscillating between her longing for freedom and the stark realization of its costs. Ultimately, Kathy’s perspective shifts from idealism to a more nuanced and mature understanding of the complexities and inherent contradictions within the male-dominated biker subculture.

The film opens with a gripping and evocative scene where Benny, a biker, confronts two older men demanding he remove his club colors. This moment, rich with period detail—from the frayed threads on jackets to the skull insignias—effectively sets the tone for the film’s commitment to authenticity. Nichols’ cinematography brilliantly captures the era, with a keen eye for the rugged aesthetics and the spirit of rebellion that defined the time, making “The Bikeriders” a visual feast.

The movie introduces a diverse array of club members, each bringing their unique traits and backgrounds to the story. Brucie, played by Damon Herriman, is the level-headed voice of reason within the group. Cal, portrayed by Boyd Holbrook, is the gear-head, passionate about the mechanics of their bikes. Michael Shannon’s Zipco is an unstable Latvian, harboring anger about not going to Vietnam, adding a layer of psychological complexity. Emory Cohen’s character, Cockroach, known for his peculiar habit of eating bugs, adds an eccentric touch to the group. These characters, alongside Johnny and Kathy, create a rich tapestry of personalities that drive the film’s plot and highlight the diverse motivations and backgrounds of those within the biker community.

Despite its violent scenes, such as Benny’s intense knife fight, “The Bikeriders” delves deeply into the psychological nuances of its characters. The film explores the intricate and often fraught relationships between the club members and their significant others, providing a nuanced portrayal of the personal sacrifices and moral ambiguities inherent in their lifestyle. As the club expands, it begins to lose its original purpose, descending into criminal activities and internal strife. This transformation serves as a central theme, highlighting the tension between the pursuit of freedom and the corrupting influence of power and criminality.

The film, directed by Jeff Nichols, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2023 and has received generally favourable reviews. Critics appreciate Nichols’ gritty approach and the powerful performances by the cast, particularly Austin Butler as Benny, the gang’s wildest member, and Tom Hardy as Johnny, the leader of the group. Review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes currently rates it at 83% fresh based on 36 reviews, which bodes well for word-of-mouth interest.

In summary, “The Bikeriders” captures the essence of a rebellious moment in time, blending meticulous period aesthetics with character-driven storytelling. Jeff Nichols’ direction and the compelling performances, particularly by Tom Hardy and Jodie Comer, invite viewers to ride alongside these complex, flawed individuals. The film navigates a world teetering between the exhilaration of freedom and the harsh realities of decay, offering a powerful and evocative exploration of the biker subculture’s allure and its inherent contradictions.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Picture credit

By Focus Features – IMP Awards, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=74764749

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Legend (2015 film)

November 17, 2023 at 1:14 pm · Filed under Film & DVD Reviews ·Tagged , , , , ,

“Legend,” a 2015 film directed by Brian Helgeland, offers a gritty portrayal of the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, as they rise to power in the London underworld during the 1960s. While the film has garnered attention for Tom Hardy’s exceptional dual performance, portraying both brothers, it falls short when examined critically from the perspective of its glorification of the anti-social nature of crime.

“Legend,” a 2015 film directed by Brian Helgeland, offers a gritty portrayal of the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, as they rise to power in the London underworld during the 1960s. While the film has garnered attention for Tom Hardy’s exceptional dual performance, portraying both brothers, it falls short when examined critically from the perspective of its glorification of the antisocial nature of crime.

One of the central criticisms lies in the romanticized depiction of criminal activities throughout the narrative. “Legend” tends to glamourise the Kray twins, portraying them as charismatic figures rather than delving into the devastating consequences of their actions. The film, in its attempt to humanise the characters, at times seems to downplay the inherent harm and trauma caused by their criminal endeavours.

Furthermore, the movie falls into the trap of portraying criminal behaviour as a means of achieving power, wealth, and status, without adequately addressing the destructive impact it has on individuals and communities. By romanticising the Kray twins’ rise to power, the film inadvertently downplays the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of a life led by crime.

The lack of a substantial exploration of the victims’ perspectives also contributes to the film’s failure to provide a balanced portrayal. Crime is inherently antisocial, causing harm to innocent individuals and communities. Unfortunately, “Legend” overlooks this crucial aspect, focusing more on the charisma and allure of the criminal lifestyle.

In conclusion, while “Legend” showcases commendable performances and captures the era’s atmosphere effectively, it falls short in its critical examination of the antisocial nature of crime. The film’s romanticised portrayal of the Kray twins undermines the real-life consequences of their actions and misses an opportunity to shed light on the destructive impact of criminal behaviour on society.

One of the central criticisms lies in the romanticized depiction of criminal activities throughout the narrative. “Legend” tends to glamorize the Kray twins, portraying them as charismatic figures rather than delving into the devastating consequences of their actions. The film, in its attempt to humanize the characters, at times seems to downplay the inherent harm and trauma caused by their criminal endeavours.

Furthermore, the movie falls into the trap of portraying criminal behaviour as a means of achieving power, wealth, and status, without adequately addressing the destructive impact it has on individuals and communities. By romanticizing the Kray twins’ rise to power, the film inadvertently downplays the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of a life led by crime.

The lack of a substantial exploration of the victims’ perspectives also contributes to the film’s failure to provide a balanced portrayal. Crime is inherently anti-social, causing harm to innocent individuals and communities. Unfortunately, “Legend” overlooks this crucial aspect, focusing more on the charisma and allure of the criminal lifestyle.

While “Legend” showcases commendable performances and captures the era’s atmosphere effectively, it falls short in its critical examination of the anti-social nature of crime. The film’s romanticized portrayal of the Kray twins undermines the real-life consequences of their actions and misses an opportunity to shed light on the destructive impact of criminal behaviour on society.

By Pat Harrington

Picture credit: By Telegraph.co.uk, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47721944

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Child 44

July 28, 2015 at 8:16 am · Filed under Film & DVD Reviews ·Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Initial release: April 15, 2015
Director: Daniel Espinosa
Running time: 2h 17m
Screenplay: Richard Price
Producers: Ridley Scott, Greg Shapiro, Michael Schaefer
Cast
Tom Hardy – Leo Demidov
Gary Oldman – Timur Nesterov
Noomi Rapace – Raisa
Joel Kinnaman – Vasili

In order to survive, let alone prosper, in Soviet Russia you needed a certain skillset. Above all it was necessary to adapt to whatever ‘truth’ the Party was at the time promoting. Those who clung to an objective view of truth did not do well. In the Stalinist era notions of personal integrity and honour were weaknesses likely to get you killed (at best!). To survive you had to be prepared to compromise yourself and betray anyone.

Secret police agent Leo Demidov (Tom Hardy) hasn’t learned these life lessons. He is determined to catch a serial killer who preys on young boys even when the Soviet system decides that the boys are all victims of tragic accidents. Leo’s psychopathic rival Vasili (Joel Kinnaman), tells him bluntly “There is no crime in Paradise.” Murder is strictly a Western, Capitalist disease.

To compound matters when Leo is asked to denounce his wife, Raisa (Noomi Rapace) as a traitor and Western spy he refuses. Predictably, and rapidly, Leo goes from hero to zero, stripped of his privileges, and sent to a posting in a dirty, polluted and bleak, back-of-beyond outpost.

Yet still Leo pursues the killer. He even manages to enlist Gen. Mikhail Nesterov (Gary Oldman) as an ally.

Child 44 works on a basic thriller level as we wonder whether Leo will bring the killer to justice or be blocked by Vasili and the Soviet System. It’s more than that though – it is a bleak indictment of a system that, just like Nazism, was anti-human – corruptive of all that is noble in the human spirit.

Child 44 is loosely based on the crimes of a real-life serial killer dubbed the Rostov Ripper in early 1950s Soviet Russia and adapted from the novel by Tom Rob Smith.

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