Logan

After playing the character for 19 years across nine films, Hugh Jackman makes his final appearance in the iconic role of Wolverine, and delivers a performance that is unlike anything you have seen in a “superhero” film before.  A fitting swansong to one of the greatest actor/character relationships in recent cinematic history.

Premise:  In 2029, no new mutants have been born for over two decades, and the X-Men have been consigned to the history books.  An aged and ailing Logan (Hugh Jackman) has long since abandoned his Wolverine identity, and now works as a limo driver on the Texan/Mexican border to hustle enough money to pay for the medication needed by a dementia-suffering Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart).  But his isolation is interrupted when a mother (Elizabeth Rodriguez) tracks him down to ask him to help her and her daughter, Laura (Dafne Keen).

Verdict:

First up, everyone needs to be clear about one thing – Logan is not, in any way, shape or form, a film suitable for children.  The last few X-Men films (First Class, Days of Future Past and Apocalypse) have all been rated PG-13/12A, and so have each been allowed by the censors to include one “F-bomb” (which certainly makes those films unsuitable for younger children), but if I’m honest, I found the use of the “F-bomb” in Days of Future Past and Apocalypse pretty forced and gratuitous (although it was used as a great comedic punchline in First Class).  Deadpool then pushed the envelope even further, earning an R-rating/15-certificate - but importantly, the violence in that film was still playful in tone, and the swearing was used for comedic purposes (with memorable insults like “sh*t-spackled muppet fart” being hurled around).

However, the violence and swearing in Logan is anything but playful or comedic.  The Logan in this film is a tired, embittered and disillusioned recluse, suffering chronic pain due to his failing regenerative healing factor, and constantly drinking to try and numb that pain.  When he swears, it’s filled with malice and vitriol, and certainly isn’t played for laughs.  And when he fights … well, let’s just say that the opening scene sets the tone for the level of graphic violence and brutality that you can expect during the next couple of hours.  If you’ve ever wondered what it would really be like if a man got into a fight with effectively six machetes strapped to his arms, you won’t need to wonder for long.  And when Hugh Jackman unleashes Wolverine’s famed “berserker rage” in all its R-rated glory … like I said, this is not one for the kids.  Wolverine’s catchphrase – “I'm the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn't very nice” – has never been more apt.

“…Hugh Jackman arguably gives the performance of his career…”

And in a way, that catchphrase also perfectly sums up the tone of the film.  Hugh Jackman and director James Mangold have said that they’ve drawn inspiration from films like Unforgiven (1992), The Wrestler (2008) and Shane (1953), and those influences shine through.  Logan is to spandex wearing X-Men films what Unforgiven was to Gunsmoke – following an aging main character pondering his place in the world and wondering what’s left after a life mired in violence.  Shane even appears on a television at one point, to deliver the famous quote: “There's no living with a killing. There's no going back from it. Right or wrong, it's a brand, a brand that sticks. There's no going back”.

Hugh Jackman arguably gives the performance of his career in this film, and if Clint Eastwood and Mickey Rourke can get Oscar nominations for Unforgiven and The Wrestler, if there was any justice, Hugh Jackman should be getting similar recognition for Logan (not that I expect that to happen!).

“…this is, quite literally, the end of an era…”

Hugh Jackman was famously the second choice for the role of Wolverine in the first X-Men (shot back in 1999) and was only cast three weeks after filming had begun, when the original actor (Dougray Scott) had to pull out due to a scheduling conflict.  Nineteen years and nine films later, it’s hard to imagine anyone else ever playing the role with such passion and intensity.

And lest we forget, this is not only Hugh Jackman’s last appearance as Wolverine, it’s also Patrick Stewart’s final appearance as Professor X/Charles Xavier.  He may have “only” played the character in seven films over the nineteen year period, but he’s still as indelibly linked to Charles Xavier as Jackman is to Logan.  This is, quite literally, the end of an era.

“…there is not a weak link in the cast…”

Patrick Stewart deserves no less acclaim for his work in this film than Hugh Jackman does, and in my mind, there is no question that this is his finest performance as Charles Xavier (and certainly worthy of a Best Supporting Actor nomination, not that I’ll hold my breath).  Whereas Logan’s physical health is failing, for Charles Xavier it’s his mind, as an unspecified form of dementia is setting in.  Seeing the man whose mind has always been his greatest asset losing his grip on reality is truly heart-breaking, and it gives you an idea of the “real world” approach that Logan has taken.

As well as arguably being the most visceral and brutal “superhero” film I’ve seen, this is also a sombre and thoughtful film about actions and consequences, both in the immediate sense (so when someone is sliced with three 12-inch blades they are eviscerated), and in a longer-term sense (the emotional cost of a lifetime of violence).  It’s also about the inevitability of time, the ephemeral nature of man (even for a 150-year-old mutant with regenerative healing powers), and that, as with all things, “this too shall pass”.  In this film, Logan’s very body is a visual metaphor for consequences and entropy, as his failing regenerative powers mean that although he still recovers from injuries, he’s now covered in scar tissue and lingering wounds.

“…a spectacular success…”

Although I’ve singled out Jackman and Stewart, there is not a weak link in the cast, and even Stephen Merchant holds his own in his (first?) non-comedic role, bringing pathos and emotion to his portrayal of Caliban, an albino mutant helping Logan to care for Charles.  But special mention must also go to Dafne Keen, the 11-year-old who plays Laura, the third central character of the film.  I don’t want to say too much about her character (although much was given away in the trailers), but she is, quite frankly, a revelation.  As Laura, Dafne Keen has to convey so much of her character internally, and through a non-verbal performance, which would be a challenge for many veteran actors, let alone an 11-year-old, but Dafne Keen excels.  And coming from someone who tends not to like child actors in films, I thought she was amazing.

This film was conceived to give Hugh Jackman a fitting send off for what he confirmed from day one would be his last appearance as Wolverine, and on that level, it’s a spectacular success.  Delving more deeply into Logan’s character than ever before, this is an emotionally charged, grown-up film for audiences that have followed the character over the last two decades.  Unquestionably the best of the three Wolverine films, for my money, this is also one of the best character-driven dramas of recent years.  Hugh Jackman truly is the best there is at what he does, and what he does best is pretty fricking special.