Prodigious Filmdom 5: Tom Hardy Characters

Our resident film critic, Brandon Vick, weighs in on his five favorite Tom Hardy characters on the latest edition of Prodigious Filmdom 5.

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Tom Hardy is about as good as they come. He’s a versatile actor dedicated to his craft, making the intensity he brings to each and every performance look easy. In a major or minor role, seizing the opportunity and making it his own is what makes Hardy an unforgettable talent. And as we will find out on October 5th, no role may be as major as the one in Venom.

Until then, I have something for ya! As if you even need proof that Hardy is a bona fide badass, here are my top five favorite characters that are stained with his blood, sweat, and tears.

TOMMY CONLON

(WARRIOR)

In Gavin O’Connor’s Warrior, this family drama packs one hell of a punch—literally and figuratively. And no one brings the heat quite like Hardy as Tommy, a fighter that suffers from his past and uses that to knock out every opponent he comes in to contact with. This goes for his brother Brendan (the terrific Joel Edgerton) too. The story is a gripping and emotional one with the actual hard-hitting being exciting and intense. But it’s Hardy’s riveting portrayal that makes you feel it and leaves a mark.

FORREST BONDURANT

(LAWLESS)

Hardy is a force to be reckoned with as one of the infamous Bondurant brothers in John Hillcoat’s bloody, rugged Prohibition crime drama. His portrayal as Forrest Bondurant, the stoic leader of the bunch, is most compelling. Even when he falls victim to love involving a redeeming hooker played by Jessica Chastain, he’s still sure as hell not to be messed with. The look in his eyes is enough to tell you that. As he and his siblings risk their lives over moonshine in Franklin County, Virginia, this unpretty gangster film provides deep, unalterable loyalty to family. Forrest is as devoted as you can get, and who wouldn’t want a brother who is practically invincible on their side?

JOHN FITZGERALD

(THE REVENANT)

This role brought Hardy an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and I believe it’s only his first of many. As John Fitzgerald in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s incredibly gorgeous vengeful tale out on the American Frontier, Hardy is remarkable at being ruthless. This film is uncompromising in so many ways, and Hardy’s savagery is unspeakable, making him a fantastic foe. He’s essentially the sole reason Leonardo DiCaprio’s Hugh Glass survives. He’s driven by revenge and justice, and as long as he’s breathing, he’s fighting to find Fitzgerald. A hero is only as good as his villain says it all.

BOB

(THE DROP)

The Drop is a redemption tale that digs deep in to the past of not only Bob’s town, but him as well as his uncle (James Gandolfini in his last role). When a robbery goes wrong, the investigation opens up a can of worms that no one wants or expects. And it’s Hardy’s performance that is the most unpredictable of them all. His quietness is without a doubt delusive. He needs rescuing just like his pit bull and the damaged woman he befriends (Noomi Rapace); but, for those who push him too far, brutality is never spared. Through every bracing moment, Hardy hypnotizes while we nervously wait to see what will make him explode.

MICHAEL PETERSON/CHARLES BRONSON

(BRONSON)

Hardy’s breakthrough performance came in this stylish and ambitious biopic from director Nicholas Winding Refn (Drive). However, the film doesn’t come close to his raw, fearless portrayal of Michael Peterson, who later would became Charles Bronson, Britain’s most dangerous prisoner. I mean the guy spent 30 of his 34 year sentence in solitary confinement. He was not to be messed with. But, what caught Hollywood’s attention and audiences alike is the stunning transformation Hardy goes through and it’s nothing short of captivating.

Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.

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