Based on a true story, three brothers in Depression-era Franklin County, Virginia find their bootlegging Prohibition business threatened by new special deputy Charley Rakes, brought in by the corrupt new District Attorney. Shares in the profits and bribes are the expected payback. The Bondurant family, headed by legendary Forrest (Tom Hardy), just ain’t interested.
Written by Nick Cave and directed by John Hillcoat, there’s a significant Australian influence in the Blue Mountains storyline of booze, violence and crime. Add Guy Pearce as the malignant slimeball Rakes, Jason Clarke as middle-brother Howard alongside Mia Wasikowska as the love interest for the youngest of the three, Shia LeBeouf and it’ll give you an indication.
Shot in muted tones with the only flash of colour provided by ex-Chicago exotic dancer Jessica Chastain, Lawless is a dialogue-rich narrative interspersed with moments of extreme violence and unpleasantness. It’s a film full of impressive performances – but it’s a film that does not quite live up to expectation. Almost, but not quite.
Rating: 65%
Director: John Hillcoat (The Proposition, The Road)
Writer: Nick Cave (The Proposition, The Road) – adapted from the book by Matt Bondurant
Main cast: Tom Hardy (Inception, The Dark Knight Rises), Guy Pearce (L.A. Confidential, Holding the Man), Jason Clarke (Chappaquiddick, Terminator Genisys)
An Opinion or Two 