Bang Bang

Bang Bang, directed by Vincent Grashaw, is a gritty, emotional exploration of a fallen boxer's attempt to reclaim his life by training his estranged grandson. The film's success rests largely on Tim Blake Nelson's tour de force as Bernard Bang Bang Rozyski, a former Detroit pugilist who spends his days wallowing in alcohol and bitterness. Vincent Grashaw's film is more than just a sports drama; it's a profound character study that tackles themes of redemption and family reconciliation.

From the moment we meet Bernard, it's clear that he's a man who's seen better days. Living in a dilapidated house, subsisting on ketchup sandwiches and cheap booze, Bernard is a vestige of himself, a former war veteran now confined to a wheelchair, but still capable of explosive violence. When his estranged daughter Jen (played by Nina Arianda) entrusts her teenage son Justin (played by Andrew Liner) to Bernard's care, the film's narrative is set in motion. Bernard, seeing in Justin a reflection of his younger, angrier self, decides to train him in boxing, not only as a sport, but also as a way of channeling his own rage and unresolved regrets.

Vincent Grashaw does an excellent job of grounding the film in harsh reality. The dialogue is lively and reflects the harshness of the characters' lives. Will Janowitz's screenplay, while adhering to some familiar rhythms of the boxing genre, manages to infuse the story with raw emotional weight. The scenes in which Bernard trains Justin are not limited to the physical aspect of boxing; they deal with passing on a legacy, dealing with unresolved emotions and confronting the past.

The film's supporting cast, including Glenn Plummer as Darnell Washington, Bernard's old rival turned mayoral candidate, and Erica Gimpel as Sharon, Bernard's former lover, add layers to the narrative. Their interactions with Bernard give context to his character, revealing a man deeply haunted by his past, but still yearning for some form of redemption.

One of the film's most memorable moments is the confrontation between Bernard and Darnell, a scene crackling with tension and unresolved animosity. Tim Blake Nelson and Glenn Plummer complement each other brilliantly, creating a palpable sense of history and conflict. This scene, like many others in the film, is shot with gritty realism by Pat Aldinger, whose cinematography captures the darkness of Detroit's streets and the austerity of the boxing world.

Tim Blake Nelson is exceptional in this role. He brings a sense of authenticity to Bernard, making him both detestable and sympathetic. Nelson's portrayal is nuanced; he's tough on the outside, but vulnerable and broken on the inside. His performance is the heart of the film, driving the story forward with an intensity that is both captivating and heartbreaking. Nelson has long been one of Hollywood's most underrated actors, and Bang Bang gives him a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

However, the film is not without its faults. Pacing problems appear in the middle of the film, with some scenes giving the impression of unnecessary exposition that could have been devoted to character development. Despite these minor drawbacks, Vincent Grashaw has made a film that is both captivating and deeply human.
Bang Bang isn't just a boxing film; it's also the story of a fight for something more than just a title - it's a fight for family, for legacy and for a chance at redemption. Vincent Grashaw's direction, combined with Tim Blake Nelson's powerful performance, makes this an unforgettable film. It reminds us that cinema has the power to explore the complexities of the human condition, even within the confines of a well-known genre.

This film leaves a lasting impression because it understands the importance of character over cliché. It's a film that, despite its rough edges, packs a punch where it counts. Tim Blake Nelson shines, and his performance as Bernard Rozyski will be remembered as one of the best of his career.

Bang Bang
Directed by Vincent Grashaw
Produced by Ran Namerode, Angelia Adzic, Cole Payne, Vincent Grashaw & Will Janowitz
Written by Will Janowitz
With Tim Blake Nelson, Glenn Plummer, Kevin Corrigan, Nina Arianda, Andrew Liner, Erica Gimpel, Daniella Pineda
Music: James Wakefield, Henry Nelson & Will Curry
Director of photography: Pat Aldinger
Editing: Vincent Grashaw
Production companies: Randomix Productions, Traverse Media, Bad Grey, CinemaWerks, MooseBoy, Red Barn Fil
Distributed by : NC
Release date: NC
Running time: 104 minutes

Seen on September 9, 2024 at the Deauville International Center

Mulder's Mark: