The Tom Hardy Western On Netflix Everyone Has Rudely Forgotten
Tom Hardy is undeniably one of the biggest movie stars in the world, having delivered remarkable performances in blockbusters like Venom, The Dark Knight Rises, and Mad Max: Fury Road. However, his impressive roster of high-profile projects often overshadows some of his smaller, equally compelling works. One such gem is the movie Lawless, which is currently streaming on Netflix.
Tom Hardy stars as a bootlegger in Lawless, an overlooked prohibition-era crime drama.
In Lawless, released in 2012, Tom Hardy takes center stage in the role of Forrest Bondurant, one of the three Bondurant brothers operating a bootlegging business during Prohibition-era Virginia.
The gripping plot revolves around the Bondurant family’s struggle to maintain their illicit enterprise amidst intense pressure from corrupt authorities and rival gangs. As the tension escalates, Forrest, a taciturn and formidable force, finds himself facing dangerous adversaries and risking everything to protect his family’s legacy.
Directed by John Hillcoat and based on the novel The Wettest County in the World by Matt Bondurant, Lawless boasts a stellar cast. Alongside Tom Hardy, the film features Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant, the youngest brother with ambitions of proving himself in the bootlegging business, and Jason Clarke as Howard Bondurant, the middle brother known for his raw intensity. Additionally, Jessica Chastain plays Maggie, a former dancer who becomes entangled in the brothers’ lives, and Guy Pearce portrays Special Deputy Charlie Rakes, a sinister and ruthless lawman.
Set in the Prohibition era, Lawless required meticulous attention to detail to transport audiences back in time. John Hillcoat and his production team successfully recreated the ambiance of the 1930s, from period-accurate costumes to carefully designed sets. The film was shot on location in Georgia, further immersing the actors in the authentic Southern setting.
In preparing for his role as Forrest Bondurant in Lawless, Tom Hardy drew inspiration from the British reality cooking series Come Dine with Me. He’s mentioned in several interviews that he used traits from various contestants to shape his character. Despite his desire to lose weight for the role, Hardy was unable to do so due to conflicting scheduling with The Dark Knight.
Lawless was a decent hit for Tom Hardy, earning $55 million against a budget of $26 million.
Intriguingly, Ryan Gosling and James Franco were initially eyed for the roles of Forrest Bondurant and Howard Bondurant, respectively, before being replaced by Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke. Additionally, Amy Adams and Scarlett Johansson were attached to the project when it was titled The Promised Land. Hardy joined the cast after receiving a handwritten letter from Shia LaBeouf, along with the script for Lawless.
Upon release, Lawless received mixed reviews from critics. Tom Hardy was lauded for his portrayal of Forrest Bondurant, however, some critics found fault in the film’s pacing and occasional lack of emotional resonance. Nevertheless, traditional viewers appreciated the movie’s gritty atmosphere and the cast’s compelling performances.
Lawless performed moderately well at the box office. The film grossed over $55 million worldwide against a production budget of around $26 million. While not a blockbuster, the movie managed to recoup its costs and solidified its position as a notable entry in Tom Hardy’s filmography.
Since the release of Lawless in 2012, Tom Hardy has had prominent roles in various high-profile projects. Notably, he delivered compelling performances in films like Dunkirk and The Revenant. Furthermore, Hardy’s 13-episode run on the critically acclaimed Netflix series Peaky Blinders further solidified his status as a versatile and accomplished actor.
Up next, Tom Hardy will share the screen with Timothy Olyphant, Forrest Whitaker, and Richard Harrington in the action thriller Havoc, due in theaters later this year. Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film follows a determined detective navigating a treacherous criminal underworld to save a politician’s estranged son. In the process, he uncovers a complex web of corruption and conspiracy that engulfs the entire city after a botched drug deal.
Tom Hardy is going back to his biggest franchise with Venom 3, originally scheduled for 2024, it’s likely to be delayed by the strikes shutting down Hollywood.
Tom Hardy is also set to return as Eddie Brock in Venom 3. The threequel, which is being directed by Kelly Marcel, was originally set to be released in 2024. However, with the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes, there’s no telling when the film will make its way to theaters.
In the meantime, if you’re in the mood for a gritty and compelling crime drama featuring a captivating performance by Tom Hardy, Lawless is currently streaming on Netflix. Despite mixed critical reception, the film’s immersive setting, strong cast, and tense storytelling have earned it a loyal audience. Whether you enjoy crime dramas, historical settings, or appreciate Hardy’s mesmerizing talent, Lawless is an engaging film worth experiencing.
