The Beverly Theater in Las Vegas is set to host a screening of Nicolas Winding Refn’s 2008 prison drama, Bronson, this , at 7:30 PM. The event will be followed by a Q&A session with Brock Norman Brock, the film’s co-writer, offering audiences a rare opportunity to hear directly from the creative force behind the cult classic.
Bronson, starring Tom Hardy in a breakout role, chronicles the life of Michael Peterson, better known as Charles Bronson, a man who became notorious as Britain’s most violent criminal. The film, based on Peterson’s own accounts, depicts his decades-long struggle against the British penal system, punctuated by acts of rebellion and extended periods of solitary confinement. It garnered critical acclaim and several awards, including Hardy’s Best Actor win at the 2009 British Independent Film Awards.
Beyond its visceral depiction of prison life and Hardy’s compelling performance, Bronson stands out for its unconventional narrative style. As noted in reviews, the film blends realistic portrayals of violence with surreal, vaudeville-inspired interludes, creating a uniquely unsettling and captivating cinematic experience. The film currently holds a 75% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating generally favorable reviews from critics.
Brock Norman Brock’s involvement in the project marks a significant moment in his career. He co-wrote the screenplay with Refn, bringing Peterson’s extraordinary story to the screen. Brock’s work on Bronson established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary screenwriting, known for tackling challenging and unconventional subjects.
Currently, Brock is a professor in the Department of Film at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he teaches in the Master of Fine Arts in Writing for Dramatic Media program and the Bachelor of Arts in Film program. He joined the UNLV faculty in , bringing his extensive professional experience to the next generation of screenwriters. The MFA program, a fully funded three-year program, focuses on the development of feature-length film scripts and television pilots.
Brock’s career extends beyond Bronson. He also co-wrote The Mustang, directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre, which received critical praise and a 95% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. He also penned the screenplay for Idris Elba’s directorial debut, Yardie, based on the novel by Victor Headley. Earlier in his career, Brock served as a Senior Development and Production Executive at the UK Film Council, contributing to projects such as The Constant Gardener, Gosford Park, and Vera Drake.
The screening at The Beverly Theater offers a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts and aspiring screenwriters to engage with the creative process behind a modern cult classic. Brock’s presence at the Q&A promises to provide valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of adapting a true story for the screen, and the collaborative dynamic between a writer and director.
The UNLV Department of Film is actively seeking applications for its Writing for Dramatic Media MFA program. The program provides a rigorous and supportive environment for aspiring screenwriters to hone their craft under the guidance of experienced professionals like Brock Norman Brock. Interested applicants can find more information and apply through the UNLV website.
Tickets for the Bronson screening and Q&A with Professor Brock Norman Brock are priced at $15 and are available for purchase on The Beverly Theater’s website. The event is expected to draw a significant crowd, given the film’s enduring popularity and the opportunity to hear from one of its creators.
The event underscores the growing importance of Las Vegas as a hub for film and media education. With UNLV’s highly regarded film program and venues like The Beverly Theater hosting events like this, the city is increasingly attracting both established industry professionals and emerging talent.
