“Lawless” (2012) — Read Along
“I’m a Bondurant. We don’t lay down for nobody”
“It is not the violence that sets men apart. It is the distance he is prepared to go”.
Based on the book “The wettest county in the world” by Matt Bondurant, and set against a highly recommended soundtrack and original music from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, this is John Hillcoat’s gangster film, with hints of noir too. Nick Cave again deserves credit for both the screenplay and the soundtrack collaboration with Warren Ellis. Mainly incorporating tracks from The Bootleggers there are also original pieces from Cave and Ellis and “Midnight Run” from Willie Nelson.
In 1930’s USA, with prohibition in force we follow the bloody and violent exploits of three brothers determined to make their mark, regardless of law enforcement and their burgeoning moonshine business. The film is mainly set in the small town of Franklin/Franklin County, in which the brothers own and control their territory. Although regular tips/bribes/moonshine is given to the local authorities, it’s clear early on in the piece that the brothers need to defend their illegal business and defend it they do, often with bloody and graphic violence. Combined with the Director’s use of wide shots (with customary brilliance) depicting the wide open rural town and landscape (returning Director of Photography Benoit Delhomme also deserves special praise) with a distinctive yet sometimes unintelligible “drawl” accent and some stunning performances, the scene is set for yet another brilliant John Hillcoat movie.
With an occasional narration from “Jack Bondurant” (Shia LaBeouf) we are introduced to his older brothers “Forrest Bondurant” (Tom Hardy) and “Howard Bondurant” (Jason Clarke). All three brothers are fiercely defensive of their business and each other and each play a strong narrative strand in the film, but none more so than Tom Hardy as Forrest. Hardy’s performance is frighteningly good here, a power house performance of brooding intensity which simmers just beneath the surface, the family patriarch in every way. He dominates when on screen, often shot with the focus on his eyes, though often obscured by his hat and with little dialogue, it’s yet another incredible portrayal from Hardy. Shia LaBeouf grows purposely in the role of Jack. Initially he appears to be a hero worshipper, younger than his dominating older brothers, he appears impressionable and rash, though as both the film and his character develops, so does LaBeouf’s performance, especially when in league with best friend “Cricket Pate” (a brilliant supporting role from Dane Dehaan).
Supporting roles abound, from Jessica Chastain’s brilliant portrayal as “Maggie Beauford” to the other main female lead role of “Bertha Minnix” (Mia Wasikowska), to a returning Noah Taylor in a cameo role as “Gummy Walsh”. Special mention for a criminally short performance from Gary Oldman as “Floyd Banner”, though his introduction in a hail of bullets from a tommy gun and a smile and a wink as he drives away riding shotgun is a gem! It falls to Guy Pearce as “Charlie Rakes” to enforce the law as a Special Deputy from Chicago. Aloof and with an accent all his own, it’s a deliberate and measured performance from Pearce in his third collaboration with Director Hillcoat. In control, on a mission even, he is the polar opposite of the localised sheriffs and the brothers even down to his deliberate hairstyle, sense of dress and style, and especially his shiny white, almost ethereal facial complexion compared to the rough and ready brothers he is trying to bring down. It’s another superb performance from Pearce.
One minor gripe would be the elongated ending but that wouldn’t do justice to this film as with time, the film will grow in the same way as “The Proposition” did and into a timeless classic. Another Hillcoat film that seems to run at it’s own pace, it never feels long (just under two hours) and could have even explored Gary Oldman’s character at more length, but that’s probably just the Gary Oldman fan in me speaking!
One particular scene to whet your appetite deserves special mention. Mid way through comes a stylised scene, colourful and amid falling snow and a crashing plot twist. Maybe two minutes in length, it’s shot and lit brilliantly and is quite literally a stand out scene from the film in every way. Combined with the sublime soundtrack and expertise from a Director and his Director of Photography it sets up the final hour of this fantastic film.
"John Hillcoat - Life through his Lens" - Original Article
"The Essential Film Reviews Collection" - Vol.3
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