John Hillcoat is a skilled film director who has made an interesting look at one of the low grade crime families. While most criminals become rich and successful, the Bondurant boys just pretty much stay as they are. It's only the younger brother Jack who goes around flaunting his wealth and that is so he can impress a girl. The only disappointing thing about the film is that the story is pretty conventional. Perhaps the story of criminals does not have many variations and so there are no new ways to tell it. But director Hillcoat does make the film very thrilling. Largely because of the interesting characters that writer Nick Cave has recreated.
John has managed to assemble a very prestigious cast for his down and dirty film. Tom Hardy once again plays his stoic, hulking role. He is not very lively but manages to be a big presence in the film. But still mumbles a lot sadly. Shia LaBeouf took me completely by surprise and gave an excellent performance. He is well suited to playing the cocky young guy but he has a bit more substance to his character this time. Mia Wasikowska does a sweet job as the Amish girl being turned by Shia's character. Jessica Chastain is a gorgeous oasis in the sea of grubbiness that is the film. So graceful and lovely. Her character nicely offsets the dirtiness of the setting and other characters. Gary Oldman has a nice cameo appearance. The real star of the film and the one person that makes it well worth seeing is Guy Pearce. Guy has been in several films this year but this is by far and away his best performance. He is so creepy and scary.
The basic plot might be familiar but in the hands of director John Hillcoat it becomes a more visceral and thrilling experience.
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