The modern Western may seem like it’s moseyin’ on out of style, but every year, there are those one or two big-budget “epic Westerns” that premiere in theaters. However, when studios have to compete with films like “True Grit,” “Meek’s Cutoff” and “The Good, the Bad, and the Weird” it is every producer’s fear they will churn out another “Jonah Hex.” This year’s “Lawless” played it smart but safe by avoiding unnecessary supernatural twists and adding a modern touch by setting the film in the prohibition era.
By recruiting an A-list star studded cast and crew comprised of John Hillcoat, acclaimed director of “The Road,” Nick Cave, writer of “The Proposition,” Academy Award nominees Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman and Guy Pearce and box of blockbuster actors, Tom Hardy and Shia Labeouf, one would think “Lawless” would be flawless. It has everything a successful film should possess, but needs a bit of a push to become a profitable modern-day Western.
Coming right off the high of being cast as Bane in “The Dark Knight Rises,” Tom Hardy plays the alpha-male leader of the historical Bondurant brothers. Together, the three men, Forrest (Hardy), Jack (LaBeouf) and Howard (Jason Clarke) dive head first into the bootlegging industry. While it starts out as a lackluster, monotonous melodrama, “Lawless” transforms into a ferocious, tense and tasteful concoction of gangster and western genres after the arrival of Guy Pearce. Best known for taking on the central role of “Memento,” Pearce provides a cryptically well done performance and transforms into one of the most terrifying villains of all time, Deputy Charlie Rakes. The corrupt officer sends the brothers into a tense tailspin filled with twists and turns that will keep audience members on the edges of their seats.
However, there is one fatal flaw: Gary Oldman’s character, Floyd Banner. By emerging within the first 20 minutes of the film, the infamous gangster, Banner, seems like he would become a vital character. Instead, he creates a disjointed tone, disappearing after a few quick scenes. The character becomes complex enough to have his own film and storyline that is never seen. Yes, he is a vital symbol, being an idol to the rookie brothers, but he unfortunately becomes a questionable necessary figure.
“Lawless” is also a spectacle to see. Shot by renowned Benoit Delhomme (“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas”), the cinematography and production design transform the modern-day southern countryside into a picturesque and fertile landscape perfect for the 1930’s setting. Without giving too much away, the final action scene is brilliantly shot and beautifully mixed as the brothers seek retribution on the county lines.
“Lawless” provides an unexpectedly satisfying film and pleases an audience. Hardy, Labeouf and Chastain offer top-notch performances alongside Pearce’s stand out act. Gritty, violent and suspenseful, “Lawless” is worth your money and something worth seeing this fall.
