Jude Law’s “The Order” Highlights Timely Themes of Bigotry and Extremism

Jude Law’s latest film, The Order, making its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, explores the unsettling rise of white supremacist movements in 1980s America, a theme that remains disturbingly relevant today. Based on true events, the film tells the story of Bob Mathews, a charismatic radical-right leader who sought to create a white homeland through terror and violence. Law portrays a veteran FBI agent who, seeking a quiet life in the U.S. Pacific Northwest after battling the Mafia, unexpectedly stumbles upon Mathews’ extremist gang as they stage bank heists to fund their cause.

“Sadly, the relevance speaks for itself,” Law said, emphasizing the timeliness of the film. As both the lead actor and a producer, Law felt compelled to bring this story to the screen, recognizing the urgent need to address the dangers of bigotry and extremism. Directed by Australian filmmaker Justin Kurzel, The Order not only revisits the past but also reflects the current global rise in similar ideologies.

Kurzel expressed shock at the many parallels between Mathews’ ideology and modern-day extremist groups like the Proud Boys, who played a key role in the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. The film serves as a stark reminder of how quickly and insidiously such dangerous ideas can take root in society.

Nicholas Hoult, who portrays Mathews, delved deep into the character, finding it unsettling that there was no clear trigger for Mathews’ hateful beliefs. “The scary thing about him,” Hoult noted, “was that he could be quite disarming and easily draw people into his twisted worldview.” Hoult’s portrayal underscores the seductive nature of extremist leaders who attract misfits and outcasts, forming a close-knit, loyal group of followers committed to spreading division and hate.

In preparing for their roles, director Kurzel asked Law to shadow Hoult for a day, mimicking the FBI surveillance that his character would have conducted. Hoult, unaware of the exercise, was surprised to learn about it upon arriving in Venice, adding to the tension and authenticity of their on-screen relationship.

Black actress Jurnee Smollett, who plays a member of the FBI team tracking Mathews, stressed the importance of continuing to confront America’s deep-rooted racism through film. “We get to explore the very complex sides of humanity, the ugliness, the darkness, in order for us to learn from it and hopefully, to not repeat it,” she said.

The Order is one of 21 films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival, with the winner to be announced on September 7. The film’s powerful message and timely relevance make it a strong contender in this year’s lineup.

READ MORE:

• South China Sea Tensions Escalate: Collision Between Chinese and Philippine Vessels Ignites Diplomatic Firestorm
• Japan’s Finance Minister Expresses Vigilance Amid Yen’s 38-Year Low Against Dollar
• Hong Kong’s Chinese Opera Festival Opens with Law Ka-ying’s Adaptation of Cyrano de Bergerac