Film Review: Lawless (18) (U.S.A. 2012) (Director: John Hillcoat), Sunday 09.09.2012, 15:30, The Cameo Cinema, Screen One, Edinburgh

This is a film scripted by Nick Cave and concerns the practice of bootlegging in the U.S. of A. in the early 20th century. It is the same writer and director combination as behind 'The Proposition' (2005), which when I got round to being able to see, I found to be fairly dreary.

In other reviews I've read, there is criticism of Tom Hardy's vocal performance. This strikes as lazy, as I found it perfectly acceptable and understandable (precisely the same criticism and rebuttal as regarded his performance in 'The Dark Knight Rises' (2012)). I think it has become the latest fad to hand out the same criticisms in regard to his work. Not that I think he is flawless - anyone who would connect themselves with the horse-shit that was 'This Means War' (2012), has questions to answer. Shia LaBeouf managed not to irritate as he usually does. Gary Oldman had so few scenes that it was hard to tell how good he was in his part. Guy Pearce was a cartoon baddie, and quite two-dimensional. Mia Wasikowska was not in the film for much, though did impress as the innocent that provides temptation for Shia.

The soundtrack provided the cheeky charm of the likes of the Velvet Underground's White Light/White Heat being performed in a bluegrass style. Sadly though the negatives outweighed positives. The story, plotting, staging, editing, frame composition and lighting offered nothing new. Does it not strike as lazy that what it takes for the community to come together against the baddie is their killing of the local disabled boy.

I was left with a thought of 'why bother to make such a film'. It was so mediocre, that it it would be difficult to find offensive as not dreadful in any way, though also I found had nothing to recommend. I think the combination of Hillcoat & Cave, may not be as potent as they appear to think it is. to I you have a particular thing for hicks, this may be up your street, otherwise don't bother.

Rating: 04/10.