Lawless is a gritty crime drama set in Prohibition-era Franklin County, Virginia. The film follows the Bondurant brothers, a notorious bootlegging trio, as they navigate the dangerous and violent world of organized crime. One of the most memorable characters in Lawless is Charlie Rakes, a corrupt and sadistic Special Deputy who is determined to bring down the Bondurant family.
The role of Charlie Rakes is brilliantly portrayed by English actor Guy Pearce. Pearce’s performance in Lawless is nothing short of mesmerizing, as he fully immerses himself in the role of the menacing lawman. With his slicked-back hair, perfectly tailored suits, and piercing stare, Pearce captures the essence of Charlie Rakes, making him a truly terrifying and unforgettable character.
Pearce’s portrayal of Charlie Rakes in Lawless is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor. Known for his ability to completely transform himself for a role, Pearce brings a unique energy and intensity to every character he plays. In Lawless, he delivers a chilling performance that elevates the film to new heights and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Overall, Guy Pearce’s portrayal of Charlie Rakes in Lawless is a standout performance that showcases his incredible acting abilities. His portrayal of the corrupt lawman adds an extra layer of intrigue and tension to the already gripping storyline. Pearce’s talent and dedication to his craft shine through in every scene, making his portrayal of Charlie Rakes a truly memorable one.
The Lead Cast of Lawless
Lawless is a 2012 American crime drama film directed by John Hillcoat. The movie is based on the novel “The Wettest County in the World” by Matt Bondurant. It depicts the story of the Bondurant brothers who run a bootlegging business during the Prohibition era.
Charlie Rakes – Played by Guy Pearce
Guy Pearce brings the character of Charlie Rakes to life in Lawless. Rakes is a corrupt special agent from Chicago who is sent to Franklin County to break up the Bondurant brothers’ illegal operations. Pearce’s portrayal of Rakes is chilling and intense, capturing the ruthlessness and cunning of the character.
Pearce is an Australian actor known for his roles in films such as Memento, The Hurt Locker, and Iron Man 3. He has garnered critical acclaim for his versatility and ability to immerse himself in a wide range of characters. In Lawless, Pearce delivers a memorable performance as the antagonist, creating a character that viewers love to hate.
With his piercing gaze and cold demeanor, Pearce’s portrayal of Charlie Rakes in Lawless adds an extra layer of tension and conflict to the story. The character is a formidable adversary to the Bondurant brothers, testing their loyalty and resolve.
Pearce’s performance in Lawless is a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor. His portrayal of Charlie Rakes is a standout in the film and contributes to the overall success and impact of the story.
Tom Hardy as Charlie Rakes
English actor Tom Hardy portrays the character of Charlie Rakes in the film “Lawless.” Rakes is a corrupt and sadistic special deputy working for the government during the Prohibition era in the United States. Hardy brings his trademark intensity and versatility to the role, embodying Rakes’ menacing nature and ruthless determination.
With his strong physical presence and captivating on-screen charisma, Hardy fully immerses himself in the character of Rakes. He flawlessly captures the essence of this villainous lawman, making him both intimidating and captivating to watch.
Hardy’s nuanced performance showcases his ability to bring complex and multidimensional characters to life. The portrayal of Charlie Rakes stands as a testament to Hardy’s talent and range as an actor.
Throughout “Lawless,” Hardy delivers a compelling performance that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. His portrayal of Charlie Rakes adds depth and intrigue to the film, elevating it to new heights.
Whether he is playing a hero or a villain, Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Charlie Rakes in “Lawless” showcases his impressive acting skills and cements his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Other Main Characters
In addition to Charlie Rakes, Lawless features several other main characters whose compelling performances add depth and intensity to the film.
- Forrest Bondurant – portrayed by Tom Hardy, Forrest is the leader of the Bondurant brothers and the owner of the family moonshine business. Known for his stoic demeanor and formidable physical strength, Forrest is a complex character who is fiercely loyal to his family.
- Howard Bondurant – played by Jason Clarke, Howard is one of the Bondurant brothers. He is the middle child and serves as the muscle of the operation, often resorting to violence to protect his family’s interests.
- Jack Bondurant – portrayed by Shia LaBeouf, Jack is the youngest of the Bondurant brothers. Initially portrayed as the weak link in the family, Jack undergoes a transformation throughout the film, proving himself to be capable and resourceful.
- Maggie Beauford – played by Jessica Chastain, Maggie is a former dancer who becomes involved with the Bondurant brothers. She adds a touch of glamour and vulnerability to the film as she navigates her complicated relationship with Forrest.
- Bertha Minnix – portrayed by Mia Wasikowska, Bertha is a young Amish girl who catches Jack’s eye. She represents a different world from the violence and lawlessness of the Bondurants’ lives, and her presence raises questions about Jack’s loyalty and devotion.
- Special Deputy Charlie Rakes – played by Guy Pearce, Rakes is the film’s main antagonist. He is an utterly ruthless and corrupt lawman who represents the oppressive forces seeking to control the illegal alcohol trade. Rakes’ enmity towards the Bondurant brothers sets off a series of events that puts them all in danger.
Each of these characters contributes to the compelling narrative of Lawless, with their relationships and conflicts driving the story forward and heightening the tension.
Plot Summary of Lawless
The story begins with the brothers defying the wishes of corrupt Special Deputy Charlie Rakes, who is determined to take control of their lucrative business. Rakes is willing to go to any lengths, using violence and intimidation, to maintain his authority and control over the bootlegging operations in the county.
As Rakes’ threats escalate, the Bondurant brothers refuse to back down and continue their business, leading to a violent and bloody conflict between the two sides. The brothers find themselves caught in a dangerous game of survival, where they must rely on their resourcefulness, loyalty, and cunning to outmaneuver their enemies and protect their livelihood.
The film showcases the resilience and determination of the Bondurant brothers in the face of adversity, as they navigate through a world filled with corruption, violence, and betrayal. Along the way, they also form an unlikely alliance with a Chicago-based Special Agent named Charlie Rakes, who has a personal vendetta against Rakes and his criminal empire.
Main Characters:
- Forrest Bondurant: The eldest brother, known for his stoic and relentless nature.
- Howard Bondurant: The middle brother, who is considered the brains behind the operation.
- Jack Bondurant: The youngest brother, who is eager to prove himself.
- Charlie Rakes: The corrupt Special Deputy determined to bring down the Bondurant brothers.
- Special Agent Charlie Rakes: A Chicago-based law enforcement officer with a personal vendetta against the corrupt Charlie Rakes.
Themes:
- Resilience and Survival
- Corruption and Power
- Loyalty and Betrayal
- Family Bonds
Reception and Awards
Lawless received generally positive reviews from critics. The performances of the cast, including the portrayal of Charlie Rakes by Guy Pearce, were praised for their intensity and authenticity. Critics commended Pearce’s ability to bring a sense of menace and ruthlessness to the character.
The film was nominated for several awards, including a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Guy Pearce at the Australian Film Critics Association Awards. Pearce’s portrayal of Charlie Rakes was also recognized at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, where he received a nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture along with his fellow cast members.
The intense and gripping performance by Pearce brought attention to his talent and versatility as an actor. His portrayal of Charlie Rakes contributed to the overall success and acclaim of the film, making Lawless a memorable and engaging cinematic experience.
| Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Film Critics Association Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | Nominated |
