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| Jude Law in Dom Hemingway |
There's something I really love about cockney gangsters. Maybe it's how violent every word sounds, or maybe it's how violent every action is. Either way, Dom Hemingway is right up some weird perverse alley of things that make a movie enjoyable to watch. Let's make every other word "fuck", do tons of cocaine and hookers, beat the shit out of people, and opening the movie with a monologue by the title character about how glorious his cock is while getting a blowjob from another man while in prison? Yeah, it's weirdly and fucked and I loved it.
So Dom Hemingway (Jude Law), which is a brilliant name considering how he speaks in such a beautifully flowy manner mixed with piss and vinegar, is released from prison after twelve years, and wants his reward from his former boss (Damian Bichir) who he could have sold out, but didn't. In fact, he wants some fucking interest. AND A FUCKING PRESENT. Oh, he also has a daughter who he hasn't seen in that time (played by Khaleesi Amelia Clarke), who hates him because he went to jail and her mother died soon after because of cancer. He has to deal with all of this along with his old friend and right hand man Dickie (Richard E. Grant)
Jude Law is absolutely fucking wonderful as Dom Hemingway, giving a completely unhinged crazy performance that felt like the weirdly comedic cousin of Tom Hardy's Bronson. It's a performance unlike anything you've ever seen him in before, as he fucks hooks, does cocaine, beats the shit out of people, fucks a safe, and walks around an orchard buck ass naked. Yes, you get a glimpse of his penis. They should have called the movie Giant Dong Hemingway. But there's also a yearning for more; an unresolved want for closure and direction in his life. It's in the moments when Dom feels alone that Law reminds you he's a brilliant actor.
In support, Grant is a wonderful straight man to Law's batshit crazy performance. While Law is foaming at the mouth, Grant shows off a calm demeanour and understanding, having seen this from Dom for years. Damian Bichir is also very strong as Ivan, Dom's former boss, who knows he owes Dom, but will not hesitate to kill him and everything he's ever known or loved. It's a fun menacing performance. Jumayn Hunter (Attack The Block) also shows up as a small time thug who is the son of one of Dom's old rivals, giving a fun performance along the way. Clarke is her reliable self as the daughter Evie, giving the movie heart when it needs it.
Writer and director Richard Shepard (The Matador) creates a wonderful story about a character who literally does whatever the fuck he wants. Dom Hemingway does as he wants because he's Dom Fucking Hemingway. I'll admit a lot of people will be put off by the fact that there isn't a larger story to the movie, instead opting to be about Dom's journey from prison as he tries to get his life back in order. The movie also had a couple of a scenes that could have been cut for the sake of pace.
Ultimately, Dom Hemingway is a good time. It feels like an early Guy Ritchie movie with a sizzling performance at the center of it. I'd love to see Jude Law try more of these characters, because it's so off beat. If you are a fan of pulpy British films, or the use of the words "fuck" and "cunt" a lot, then this movie is for you.
Grade: B
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