The Dark Knight Rises is certain to be a massive hit. It’s in full McFadden and Whitehead mode. Avatar, consider yourself warned.
Nearly as likely is Tom Hardy becoming a household name. After his muzzled, hulking Bane goes up against Christian Bale’s Batman, Hardy is bound to experience the kind of career boost that the franchise’s last villain, Heath Ledger, would have received if not for his untimely death.
The Dark Knight Rises is one of three Hardy films in 2012, sandwiched between This Means War and late August’s bootlegging spectacle, Lawless. He’ll then inherit his own franchise as the lead in Mad Max: Fury Road, slated for release in 2013.
But what of his earlier work? To further your Hardy education, here’s a rundown of his most notable films.
Bronson
The Dark Knight Rises isn’t Hardy’s first brush with villainy. Under the edgy direction of Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive), Hardy bares all and then some as Charlie Bronson, Britain’s most violent and notorious prisoner. If Bane is half as menacing as Bronson, it’ll be more than enough.
Hardy first teamed with Dark Knight Rises director Christopher Nolan on this stunning mind-bender. As expert forger Eames, Hardy constantly changes appearances to aid Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his teams’ dream thievery.
Part of last year’s finest ensemble, Hardy holds his own alongside the likes of Gary Oldman and Colin Firth. His rogue agent Ricky Tarr is the catalyst that spurs this brainy thriller. Bonus points for the feathery ’70s hair.
RocknRolla
Hardy shows a looser side in Guy Ritchie’s last non-Sherlock Holmes film. As Handsome Bob, he proves a natural comedic actor, and alongside the surprisingly quick-witted Gerard Butler, makes for another awkwardly funny Ritchie team.
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Great break down! Ever since I heard from a co-worker of mine at Dish that Tom Hardy would play Bane, I’ve been making an effort to see all of Hardy’s past films. IMDB has been quite a help, and I’ve been able to add every single one of his films to my Blockbuster @Home queue. Going to school and working fulltime doesn’t leave me much time to watch movies as quickly as I’d like to, so I’m glad that I never have to pay any late fees. So far, RocknRolla has been my absolute favorite. In comparison to his more serious roles in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Warrior, I liked seeing that Hardy could easily take on a lighter role. I’ve been skeptical of the mask on Hardy, so I haven’t seen Dark Knight Rises yet, but I think tomorrow is as good a day as any to hit the theater.
Thanks, Angie!
Have you been able to see BRONSON? I’m not sure Hardy will ever be able to top that performance.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Bronson in my mailbox yesterday, and because of your recommendation, I didn’t waste anytime in watching it. The only word that comes to mind is remarkable! The way that Hardy transforms into Bronson is incredible, and his portrayal of the criminal is absolutely flawless. Thanks again, I can’t help but agree that this particular performance will be a tough one to top!
Also don’t miss last years WARRIOR. It’s about mixed martial arts, but there are great performances from Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte (as the drunken father).
WARRIOR is high on my to-see list. Thanks for adding it.