tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170443308250983581.post4436213326609810776..comments2023-10-15T07:56:20.768-07:00Comments on City Lights: A Film Blog: Movie Review: BronsonLaurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08400880202232098855noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170443308250983581.post-40118806558613264962012-08-07T06:00:58.342-07:002012-08-07T06:00:58.342-07:00I can't believe it took me that long to reply....I can't believe it took me that long to reply. Sorry for that! However, I rewatched Bronson the other day and I think he doesn't actually kill the guy. In the stage sequence in which Hardy plays Bronson and that female nurse character, or whoever she's supposed to be, I think she says that the guy recovered. I also think that in real life Bronson never murdered someone. It would have been strange if Refn had portrayed him as a murderer. But maybe I got it wrong...Rinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15952186090051519128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170443308250983581.post-35675887350105301902012-03-11T16:28:57.726-07:002012-03-11T16:28:57.726-07:00Yeah, I'm assuming it's one of those movie...Yeah, I'm assuming it's one of those movies that improves with repeated viewings. I'd definitely watch it again. There was a lot that was good about it, specifically Hardy's performance. <br /><br />What I mean by "emotionally empty" is that we never emphasize or sympathize with any of the characters. It's impossible to feel that way about Bronson because the film never delves into his psyche. It just felt all surface level to me, if that makes any sense. The secondary characters are just kind of there ...we don't really know anything about them. While watching Bronson I felt that was exactly what I was doing ...just watching. I wasn't given a real reason to care. As you said, the style is quite unique for a biography (some may even say alienating) and I think it was the way that the story was told that I found jarring and a little empty. <br /><br />There is definitely a sadness to it but I guess I just wanted a little more. I felt the same way when I watched Drive. I think it's just Refn's style and I gotta get used to it. <br /><br />I agree with what you said about it not glorifying violence. It's definitely more about our fascination with it. <br /><br />With regards to the murder: Remember the scene in the asylum when he strangled that inmate who kept bothering him when he was doped up? He comes up behind him and strangles him with a cloth and all the guards come in and drag him out.Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08400880202232098855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6170443308250983581.post-3728470272562919972012-03-10T03:58:53.607-08:002012-03-10T03:58:53.607-08:00Nice review, Laura! I remember that I didn't r...Nice review, Laura! I remember that I didn't really know what to make of it when I watched it for the first time but I really enjoyed it the second time around. I guess I was expecting a more conventional biopic and not a portrayal such as Refn's.<br /><br />I wouldn't say that it's emotionally empty at all. It is hard to sympathize with Peterson because his outbursts seem so random and a mere means to seek attention. However, there is something tragic about his character because, like you said, he can only 'create' himself by destroying others. And there are moments of sadness within the character that ring through because of Hardy's stunning performance, frankly one of my favourite performances of all time.<br /><br />I also like Refn's approach to the subject. I don't think it glorifies violence per se, it rather explores our fascination with violent characters, because in the end, we as the watchers personify Bronson's imaginary audience.<br /><br />Oh, one thing, though, I think he never commited murder. Where did you get that information?Rinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15952186090051519128noreply@blogger.com