“Out of the Furnace” is an unconventional, gritty drama from director Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart”). Christian Bale is very good as Russell, a steel mill worker in rural Braddock, Pennsylvania whose brother Rodney (played by Casey Affleck) is about to serve his fourth tour of duty in Iraq. A fatal DWI accident sends Russell to prison for several months, and during this time his girlfriend (Zoe Saldana) leaves him and his ailing father passes away.
And Rodney returns, scarred from war, both physically and mentally. With no money, no job and debts to pay Rodney gets involved in bare-knuckle fighting. He is lured to New Jersey for “one final fight”, organized by evil hillbilly crime boss Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson). When Rodney doesn’t return home and is feared dead, Russell, with nothing to lose, heads out to find him.
“Out of the Furnace” is nearly two hours, but Cooper makes sure it never drags. He does a nice job early on establishing the bond between these two brothers, allowing the audience to become emotionally invested in them and their situations. This is only Cooper’s second film, but as with “Crazy Heart”, he takes an anti-Hollywood approach with the story and character development, and he shows a great eye for capturing these Rust Belt towns and their residents.
However, “Out of the Furnace” lacks the suspense and energy it deserves. This isn’t the action film that the trailers and previews are advertising it as, but more of a family crime drama. And it’s the human element that elevates the film, thanks to the tremendous supporting cast, led by Saldana, who shines in all her scenes. In a year of showcase roles, Forest Whitaker delivers a subdued performance as the Braddock police chief and the new boyfriend. Willem Defoe and Sam Shepard are also outstanding. And Harrelson is simply mesmerizing. You hold your breathe every second he’s on screen not knowing if or when he’s going to explode in another violent rage.
“Out of the Furnace” is rated R for language, strong violence, and drug use, and is appropriate for mid-teens and up. This is another off-beat and compelling effort from Cooper, who is clearly a director to watch.
On The Official LCJ Report Card, “Out of the Furnace” gets a B-.