Lawless

About Lawless

Lawless is a Prohibition-era American saga directed by John Hillcoat and written by Nick Cave. The film was released in 2012 and is a raw and gripping piece of work.

The movie tells a tale of the notorious Bondurant Brothers: Forrest, Howard, and Jack - bootstrap entrepreneurs who run a thriving business in Franklin County, Virginia - the moonshining capital of the world. They adhere by their own set of rules until a Chicago racketeer named Charlie Rakes threatens their operation. While Forrest and Howard respond with fists and firepower, young Jack partners up with friend Cricket to expand their business, bringing in volatile consequences.

Making / Production

The film is based on the novel "The Wettest County in the World" written by Matt Bondurant. Sheila Hanahan Taylor, Michael Benaroya, Dany Wolf, Megan Ellison, and Lucy Fisher were the producers. Cave also worked on the music in collaboration with Warren Ellis. Benoit Delhomme served as the director of photography.

Actors

• Tom Hardy plays Forrest Bondurant, the leading brother known for his quiet fierceness. Hardy carves his character with intense precision, making Forrest both intimidating and strangely vulnerable.
• Shia LaBeouf as Jack Bondurant, the youngest of the three, seeking to make a name for himself away from his brothers' shadows. Jack’s transformation throughout the movie is excellently spun by LaBeouf.
• Jason Clarke as Howard Bondurant, the eldest brother whose character balances the seriousness and innocence of the other two.
• Jessica Chastain portrays Maggie Beauford. Chastain plays the strong former dancer from Chicago superbly, radiating both warmth and mystery.
• Guy Pearce is cast as Charlie Rakes. Pearce crafts an enthralling portrayal of the ruthless Special Deputy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Lawless" was previously titled "The Wettest County," the same as the novel it’s based on.
• Tom Hardy cited actor Gary Oldman as one of his inspirations for his performance in the film.
• This is the second collaboration between musician Nick Cave and director John Hillcoat, following "The Proposition."

Music and Soundtrack

• The musical score was composed by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
• The soundtrack prominently features bluegrass and folk music appropriate to the Appalachian setting. The use of period songs and score helped accentuate the film's moments with a credible representation of the era.

Quotes

• "It is not the violence that sets men apart, it is the distance that he is prepared to go."
• "We control the fear, without the fear, we are all as good as dead."
• "I'm a Bondurant. We don't lay down for nobody."