BANG BANG: Tim Blake Nelson’s Opportunity To Shine

Tim Blake Nelson‘s performance is a knockout in Bang Bang, the newest film from director Vincent Grashaw. 

The film follows retired Detriot pugilist Bernard “Bang Bang” Rozyski  (Tim Blake Nelson)  who can’t quite grapple with life as it is, and he lets go of life as it was. Now, bitter and angry, he spends his days in an alcohol-fueled haze within his disheveled home. 

When his estranged daughter Jen (Nina Arianda) leaves her teenage son Justin (Andrew Liner) in Bernard’s care for a few days as she begins a new job, something stirs inside him. The two don’t see eye to eye at first, but as he decides to start training Justin as a boxer, their relationship grows and his fighting spirit is reinvigorated. When Justin decides to enter a competition by Bernard’s old rival, Darnell Washington (Glenn Plummer), his past is quickly brought to the surface and new and old relationships are tested.

The intelligent dialogue makes it easy to engage with the characters. While the film adheres to familiar tropes, it doesn’t shy away from this fact. Instead, it embraces them, reminding us why stories of redemption are among the best. Its characters feel genuine as does their trajectory. Will Janowitz’s script has a formula we have seen before but finds its nuances in the corners of the character’s psyches. Their motivations and their mistakes are shown in a raw and riveting way. As a character study, this film keeps our lead’s humanity, crafting a compelling narrative that’ll keep you glued to the screen. A vision that Pat Aldinger’s fantastic cinematography further fleshes out from Vincent Grashaw‘s unique direction. By its end, these characters are not only seen but are known. 

Tim Blake Nelson is exceptional—frustratingly spiky yet endearing. As an actor who has consistently delivered outstanding performances over the years, he often doesn’t receive the credit he deserves. It was refreshing to see him take center stage. He is backed by a great supporting cast that bolsters his portrayal. He’s a complicated character and Nelson brings a keen sense of curiosity to it, urging the audience to want to know more. It’s a bleak film, but within it are moments of powerful beauty. 

The film does suffer from occasional pacing issues, sputtering before its final, eventful act. Some scenes with unnecessary exposition could benefit from more excellent character-building moments. 

But, Grashaw and company utilize the great casting and gritty environment to make Bang Bang, deliver. The characters aren’t exactly likable but it doesn’t deter them from becoming incredibly watchable. One scene in particular, between Nelson and Glenn Plummer is electrifying. 

Part boxing movie, part familial drama, Bang Bang is further proof of Vincent Grashaw’s directorial expertise and confirmation that Tim Blake Nelson’s talent has only grown. It’s a patient, raw, and unique story from a stellar team.