Lawless: A Bootlegging Saga in the Backwoods of Virginia
In the Prohibition-era backwoods of Virginia, the Bondurant brothers – Howard (Clarke), Forrest (Hardy), and Jack (LaBeouf) – are making a name for themselves with their thriving moonshine business. Their friend Cricket (DeHaan) has concocted a potent recipe, and the brothers handle distribution and manage the “public relations” side of things, dealing with corrupt cops, rival gangs (Oldman), and sleazy government agents (Pearce).
Hillcoat and Cave: A Winning Combination
Australian director John Hillcoat teams up once again with his longtime friend, collaborator, and fellow countryman Nick Cave. The acclaimed musician and writer adapted Matt Bondurant’s novel, which is based on the true story of his grandfather. Similar to their previous collaboration, “The Proposition,” this film centers around brothers, but in this case, their kinship forms a powerful clan. Their family business leads to constant infighting: if you slit someone’s throat, expect your own to be threatened in return. The filmmakers tell the story with a captivating blend of irony and unflinching violence. Blood splatters, bullets tear through flesh, and shovels and axes whistle through the air – all depicted with a matter-of-factness that makes it even more impactful.
Beyond the Western Label
Some critics have tried to pigeonhole John Hillcoat’s film as a Western, despite the lack of overt Western tropes. It’s a classic gangster story set against the backdrop of the Prohibition era, but instead of the concrete jungle, we have the sprawling fields and dusty roads of Virginia. And in place of James Cagney, we have a more imposing, yet equally unyielding and dangerous, Tom Hardy as the seemingly “invincible” Forrest.
Style and Soundtrack: Redemption Through Artistry
Even if one were to nitpick about the film’s archetypal characters, occasional plot inconsistencies, or gratuitous violence, it’s hard to deny that the stellar performances and impeccable style more than compensate. The music plays a particularly crucial role in creating the film’s atmosphere. Nick Cave and his Grinderman bandmate (also the leader of The Dirty Three), Warren Ellis, composed a stunning soundtrack.
A Soundtrack That Speaks to the Soul
Only those indifferent to music or devoid of emotion could remain unmoved by the soundtrack – which, in essence, might be the same thing.