Film Review: Jude Law Tolls the Bell for ‘Dom Hemingway’

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

CHICAGO – “Dom Hemingway” begins with a tight close-up on a barely recognizable Jude Law, portraying the title character. He’s giving a monologue, literally spraying the words. When the circumstance is revealed as to what is happening to him, there is an awareness that this is not going to be your Daddy’s petty safecracker ex-con film.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 4.0/5.0
Rating: 4.0/5.0

With a style and depth that creates its own distinct energy, “Dom Hemingway” is a party wrapped with a cinematic bow, along with Jude Law providing the performance of his career, considering how different it is from his usual characters. Dom Hemingway the man invents his own moral code, and the way the rest of the world reacts to that code is the basis for the barely put together “plot.” The overall effect feels like a groovy film from the 1960s, except with much more violence, swearing and carnal knowledge. The Dom is a trip.

Petty safecracker Dom Hemingway (Jude Law) has been locked away for 12 years. He has taken the long term rap because he wouldn’t rat out a crime lord named Mr. Fontaine (Demian Bichir). When he gets out of the slammer, he begins his retribution by beating his ex-wife’s husband, finding his partner in crime, Dickie Black (Richard E. Grant) and collecting from Mr. Fontaine his hush money, presumably from the job they did together.

Dom and Dickie travel to Fontaine’s lair, a lavish estate. Dom has eyes for Fontaine’s lady Paolina (Madalina Diana Ghenea in her first English language film), and the party starts from there. After a series of unfortunate events, Dom Hemingway ends up back in London, penniless and angry. He seeks vengeance by seeking another safe to crack, a reconciliation with his estranged daughter (Emilia Clark) and a reunion with Paolina.

“Dom Hemingway” continues its limited release in Chicago on April 11th. See local listings for theaters and show times. Featuring Jude Law, Demian Birchir, Richard E. Grant, Madalina Diana Ghenea and Emilia Clark. Written and Directed by Richard Shepard. Rated “R”

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Dom Hemingway”

Jude Law, Richard E. Grant
Quixotic Quest: Dom Hemingway (Jude Law) and Dickie Black (Richard E. Grant) in ‘Dom Hemingway’
Photo credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Dom Hemingway”

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