I’ve been slow on the uptake about Bronson but finally realized that it’s directed by Denmark’s Nicolas Winding Refn, who’s responsible for several thrilling hours I’ve spent watching his knockout Pusher trilogy.
In 1974, a hot-headed 19 year old named Michael Peterson (Tom Hardy) decided he wanted to make a name for himself and so, with a homemade sawn-off shotgun and a head full of dreams he attempted to rob a post office. Swiftly apprehended and originally sentenced to 7 years in jail, Peterson has subsequently been behind bars for 34 years, 30 of which have been spent in solitary confinement. During that time, Michael Petersen, the boy, faded away and ‘Charles Bronson,’ his superstar alter ego, took center stage. Inside the mind of Bronson – a scathing indictment of celebrity culture.
Thanks to George and Noah R. for the persistent reminders to track this down. The hulu trailer above is probably only viewable in the US, but our international readers can find a more compatible version after the cut.