While I feel I have relatively little to add to Ard's detailed review of Nicolas Winding Refn's Bronson or Mike's summary of Sundance responses, I feel I should chime in with at least a word or two after finally having the chance to see it this morning.
First of all, the film is an odd beast to categorize - a bio-pic that has little concern for narrative, instead painting a sort of portrait of the man with little concern for chronology or actual events. Instead of telling the actual story of 'Britain's most violent criminal', Refn instead plants Charles Bronson on a stage - literally - to perform for an audience and to present himself as he would see fit. Is it factual? Probably not particularly so, no, and Refn himself freely admits that he's never had any particularly significant contact with the man so this could very likely not be particularly accurate to how the actual Bronson would wish to present himself either. Instead, what Refn presents is a portrait of a man obsessed with the notion of achieving fame the only way he believes is possible: with his fists.
Second of all, Tom Hardy is absolutely magnificent in this, a magnetic beast of a man punishing anyone foolish enough to come within reach of his fists with a brutal pounding. Hardy was fantastic in Guy Ritchie's Rock N Rolla and this film coming so close on the heels of that one may very well prove enough to launch Hardy's star rather high indeed.
Third, Refn's direction is solid and assured, adding some new wrinkles to the palette while still maintaining his very distinct flavor.
While Bronson has attracted some criticism over its structure - and I can understand where those complaints are coming from, honestly - this is still on vital, potent piece of work from one of the brightest young directors in the world today and it comes very highly recommended.
