If a film starts with young lads and guns, you know you're in for a wild ride. Lawless is perhaps one of the most realistically gruesome films I've seen with a very welcome cleanser to some of the films that are finding their way to the big screen in the recent year(s).
Whilst being released in almost coincidence with a Paranormal Activity title, this film is hardly going to get the recognition it deserves - in replacement for a film with little heart, meaning or purpose other than to frighten and push audiences out of their seats, rather than doing what Lawless has endeavored so marvelously to do; keep you comfortably seated and eager for more.

To say that the plot of Lawless was the work of soley the writers would be a misleading statement. The film itself is based on the true story of three brothers (the Bondurant's) and their bootlegging moonshine gang in Depression-era Franklin County, when outsider authorities threaten to cut their profits. With a new deputy being warped, twisted, cruel and corrupt orchestrating events - things only turn for the worst in regards to the brother's bootlegging business and their livelihood.

As the film itself progresses, it compels you and endows you with a sense of curiosity and amazement. The consideration that the events that take place are, to some degree, in fact true only adds more of an intrigue factor. Not only does this film, it's plot and it's characters take hold of your attention - but - like any good film; your emotions and heart too.

The direction of Lawless can scarcely be faulted. John Hillcoat manages to balance an exceptional story of three brothers with a beautiful (and yet at times, haunting) backdrop. The locations and the camera work incorporated into this film are in some respects what make it such a magical experience to be apart of. The locations are consistently believable and the camera angles make sure to show everything we want to see - if not more. It's rare nowadays for fight sequences in films to be quick, calculated and the camera work deliberate; however, Lawless cuts that concept away and re-introduces us to a world where audiences actually 'see' what's going on. You see the full brunt of the action.
In some ways, it appears as though Hillcoat's approach to capturing the story of the Bondurant brothers was even taken back to the golden-era of film; no extravagant camera angles, just simple work - but - a complex use of simple ideas. Something I personally preferred to crane shots, speedy camera angles or handheld motion shots. A true refresher.

Additionally, whilst Hillcoat's direction was exceptional, the performances delivered by the leading cast as well as the ensemble that was behind them is truly what endows interest in the characters and the story. Whilst entertaining and captivating at almost every running moment, Lawless is the type of film that - without the right cast - you could observe as being boring, drawn out and at the mercy of bad pacing. However, with Shia LaBeouf (Jack Bondurant) as the youngest of the brothers and the lead character blossoming like never before, he distils a sense of emotion in the film. If anyone needs a reason to see why LaBeouf is more than a one-trick pony in his 21st Century teen roles; Lawless is it. Tom Hardy is exceptional in this film. Playing Forrest Bondurant, he's the voice of reason of the brothers, and yet, at the same time, perhaps one of the more violent and effective. Hardy brings a seriousness to the role, whilst at the same time, his character delivers perhaps most of the laughs for the audience - truly showing his versatility as an actor and the actor-audience relationship he can evoke through his regularly faultless performances. Jason Clarke plays Howard Bondurant and had me convinced from the get-go that he'd captured his character. The way he displayed an alcoholic, violent and tormented brother was a sight to see and can't be truly explained until you see the realism of his interpretation.
Guy Pearce plays the new deputy in town and a truly irritating, hate-worthy bad guy. Everything about the way Pearce conveys his character, in appearance, personality and bodily gesture had me cringing and loathing his character all the more. Whilst you hate the character himself, you have to commend Pearce for his portrayal; undoubtedly.
Special mention to Gary Oldman and Daniel DeHaan for their somewhat more sparse roles, however, when on screen - they both captured your attention.

Lawless is a powerful film. It has immense purpose and looks at mortality in an intriguing light. More than that, it's constantly looking at family and how far people as a whole would go for their loved ones. It's a bold film and takes a step away from most that have hit the big screen as of late. It's star power is phenomenal and the performances in the film are dumbfounding.
With Hillcoat at the helm and the ensemble he had to work with, Lawless is perhaps one of the best film to hit theaters this year and deserves a great deal more attention that it'll probably obtain.
A near masterpiece.

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