The new film Dom Hemingway features a lead character who isn’t easy to like. Frankly put, he’s an arrogant, violent and foul-mouthed thug. Hardly the type one would root for in a redemption story. Yet somehow, after a brief period of adjustment, one does become accustomed to both the quirks of the character and the film itself. It’s a story we’ve seen many times before, but this effort features enough unique touches to make it worthwhile.
After spending 12 years in prison, safecracker Dom Hemingway (Jude Law) finds himself released back into the world. But instead of being happy, he’s a very bitter man. Widowed while in prison and estranged from his daughter, Evelyn (Emilia Clarke), the parolee immediately sets out to make up for lost time. This includes a couple of ‘lost weekends’ with best pal Dickie Black (Richard E. Grant). Additionally, it involves a trip to France to collect fiscal restitution from Mr. Fontaine (Demian Bichir), the wealthy gangster that Dom served time for.
This is certainly a character we’re not used to seeing Law play. It’s a memorable performance, as the actor manages to turn a nasty character into a weirdly charismatic lead. Dom should be impossible to like, but the actor’s energy level is so high and the screenplay so sharply written that the quick verbal jabs and odd behavior eventually make the experience enjoyable. Granted, it takes several minutes to adjust to the style, but by the time the protagonist starts re-indulging in old habits in the most absurd manner possible, the situations do lead to laughs.
Richard E. Grant also gives a hilarious turn as Dom’s low-key criminal pal, whose straight-faced manner amusingly turns flustered and bewildered by his friend’s behavior. The movie also features an amusing set of visual gags in involve the truly bizarre decor choices of criminal underworld figures. The throwback costuming and unusually vibrant color scheme is also attention grabbing.
Of course, Dom’s arrogant behavior also leads to some tense moments as he verbally insults dangerous and powerful people. But rest assured, after all of the four-letter words are uttered, there is a point to it all. As the story progresses, it does become clear that Dom is a man who can’t seem to stop making very poor life decisions and rationalizing them as bad luck. It’s a habit he continues immediately upon his release from prison. The lead’s relationship with his estranged family contrasts the entertainingly exaggerated crime bits and ground the emotional beats. While it’s certainly satisfying, the filmmakers don’t get overly sentimental in these moments and wisely avoid tying up every loose end neatly, adding at least some level of believability to the heart of the story.
Dom Hemingway isn’t for those easily offended. It’s vulgar and boorish, but there is a method to its madness. In the end, the performances, witty dialogue, striking visuals and resolution win out. You wouldn’t necessarily want to meet this gentleman in a dark alley, but he’s a lot of fun to watch on the big screen.