S. Craig Zahler has become one of the most notable cult filmmakers that has emerged in the past decade. His films attracted a strong fanbase among genre enthusiasts for the unique ways that they combine different influences. Zahler’s first film Bone Tomahawk was an outrageous horror western that features some of the most gruesome imagery imaginable; while a “cannibal western” may sound like it’s exploitation, Zahler managed to attract major stars such as Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins. His second film Brawl in Cell Block 99 instantly became a new prison movie classic in the vein of Escape From Alcatraz or Papillon.
While all of Zahler’s films have been violent, incendiary, and definitely not for the faint of heart, his feature Dragged Across Concrete was easily his most controversial. The dark crime thriller starred Mel Gibson and Vince Vaughn as the corrupt police officers Brett Ridgeman and Anthony Lurasetti, respectively, who catch blowback after a video of them abusing a suspect goes viral. Brett and Anthony take part in a bank robbery that goes horribly awry. Despite its limited release in 2019, Dragged Across Concrete became a surprise hit on Netflix, despite the blowback the film received for its depiction of racism and police brutality. However, Dragged Across Concrete is a much more insightful study on institutional failure than its detractors have given it credit for.
A Film That Hates Its Characters
The criticism that Dragged Across Concrete has received seems to misinterpret what Zahler’s goals were. The film is not intended to be a right-wing fantasy that celebrates Brett and Anthonys’ behavior, nor is it intended to be a crowd pleaser. In fact, the scenes of torture, abuse, and gun violence are so gruesome that they may shock viewers who can generally stomach violent content. This is done intentionally to make it very clear that Zahler is not endorsing Brett and Anthonys’ activities, nor is it attempting to show the police force in a positive light. It’s a reflection on the fundamental flaws within society that men like Brett and Anthony are allowed to keep their jobs without suffering major consequences.
It’s evident that Zahler wants the audience to hate the characters because he shows how miserable their lives are, and how they’ve been forced to live with the ramifications for their abuse. Anthony is trying to have a serious relationship with his girlfriend Denise (Tattiawna Jones), but he isn’t able to afford a ring and propose to her. Similarly, Brett is concerned about raising his child in such a poor community where she is constantly bullied, but his temporary suspension from the police force means that they can’t afford to move to a different apartment complex. However, Brett’s refusal to change his ways is what is harming his daughter in the first place; she’s singled out in school because everyone knows that her father is a violent cop.
While films that celebrate the police officers often present their characters as charismatic, suave, and intelligent, Brett and Anthony are disheveled and entirely without confidence. They constantly bicker and work together out of desperation, and the film puts the blame on them for the chaos that emerges. While it’s difficult to watch these characters do horrible things, it was important for Zahler to point out a real issue that is sadly too prevalent in today’s headlines.
Satire and Exploitation
Dragged Across Concrete is deeply satirical of genre archetypes with its untraditional depiction of a heist movie premise. Classic heist films like Ocean’s Eleven or The Italian Job have fun showing the characters planning elaborate ways to break into secure locations, and the audience gets to celebrate when they succeed. In comparison, the plan in Dragged Across Concrete itself is rather dull and straightforward. Brett and Anthony aren’t experts that are selected specifically for their skill-set; they’re just the only two cops that are stupid enough to take part in a hastily crafted scheme.
The situation continues to get worse as their collaborators Henry Johns (Tory Kittles), Biscuit (Michael Jai White), Black Gloves (Primo Allon), and Grey Gloves (Matthew MacCaull) get too violent during the bank robbery and attract attention for the wider police force. It forces Brett and Anthony to take part in a chase across the city to track down the thieves, and provokes even more tension between the two. Anthony reminds Brett that he had put off proposing to Denise due to their involvement, and he’s left with a voicemail as his only reminder of her love. It’s as if Zahler is torturing the characters by showing how unpolished they are. No one stands to benefit from the botched job.
An Untraditional Hangout Movie
While Dragged Across Concrete could be loosely described as a heist thriller, it has more in common with hangout films such as Clerks, Slacker, Dazed and Confused, or Friday. It’s an interesting decision that shows once again how unglamorous Brett and Anthonys’ job really is. Rather than getting into exciting battles or delivering one-liners, they spend a majority of the time confined in close quarter situations where they can only converse to waste time. The mundanity within their work adds a surprising amount of humor to the film, and both Brett and Anthony are the butt of the joke.
There’s a hilarious moment when Brett and Anthony are sitting down for breakfast and discussing the issues within their familial lives. After making it seem like the meal is the only thing they have to look forward to, they’re immediately interrupted and have to leave early. Later, when they are on a stakeout, Brett grows bored and lashes out at Anthony for chewing his food too loudly. The dark sense of humor is perhaps why Dragged Across Concrete is such a hit on Netflix. While understandably some viewers may not want to watch a film dealing with such sensitive material, and may be uncomfortable watching someone as controversial as Gibson on screen, Dragged Across Concrete is a brilliant parody of the preconceived notions that some audiences may have had.