Locke is one of those films that is difficult to explain without making it sound boring. After I've explained the basic plot, my usual response is 'So
it's just a man in a car talking on the phone? That's it?' I respond by explaining that it has the minimalist approach similar to films like 'Phone Booth' and 'Buried' and has thematic links to 'All is Lost' and 'Gravity'; the theme of dealing with the multitude of problems life throws at you. That generally wins them over! It may lack the visuals of the latter movies, but makes up for it with the use of dialogue set pieces which gradually builds up and comes to a head.
Tom Hardy is the only person you see throughout the entire film. He plays Ivan Locke, the man in the drivers seat speaking on his hands-free set while making a drive from Brighton to Croydon. He has to get to a hospital where his mistress Bethan is giving birth to his child. She is distressed and afraid and Locke is determined to get there to see the child. He has made a decision based on the principle that he had a one night stand with her and now the resulting child is his fault and he has to do what is right. While this is happening, he has to deal with a huge concrete delivery for one of the most historic pours in Europe. He has made the decision not to be there as he wants to be with the new born child. He tries sorting out the preparations for delivery through his drunken assistant Donal, and has to deal with his angry boss, who apparently is having a hard time from the top men in Chicago. He loses his job, but is still determined to sort out the delivery and the pour anyway to follow through his principles. He also has to tell his wife about the affair and the resulting baby, which she does not take very well. There are many calls which he has to make, and many calls which he receives about those three problems which he has to deal with almost simultaneously. The limitations of space in the car he is driving in provides the claustrophobia and the tension and anxiety experienced by Locke.
The phone conversations are occasionally broken up by musical interludes showing the passage of time and Tom Hardy's monologues directed to his absent father he imagines to be seated at the back. These monologues are surprisingly dark and full of vitriol to this absent figure who spent his lifetime evading responsibility. He is determined not to make the same mistake with this child and wants to stand behind his decision and wills himself to make everything work at the end of the night. He seems to be a perfectionist who has lead a very organised life. He uses concrete or building analogies to explain his situation. For example, 'One crack and the whole building could come crashing down' explaining his affair and the potential damage to his life.
The film shows a man constantly trying to find a solution to these mounting problems which become progressively exacerbated with each call. A strong will and an ability to solve complicated problems under a limited time-frame with limited communication is what is required of Locke, very much unlike his apparently useless father. Whatever life throws your way, if you take responsibility and take charge of the situation, things will work out. Of course there is a sacrifice. While many of his problems were worked out, unfortunately his family situation is looking like it is coming to a close due to his decision. Sometimes decisions are made which have negative consequences, but the ending is hopeful with the arrival of new life.
It is a nice experiment with an effective use of dialogue to create tension, excitement and sometimes unease. Using what seems to be a normal everyday man dealing with domestic problems gives a level of believability (although I don't know if all these conclusions can possibly be reached in a 2 hour car journey). Tom Hardy gives a solid performance in what is a difficult role. Apparently he receives these calls while he is actually driving, providing more realism needed for this simple premise. For me, the film seemed like a novelty experience where you enjoy for what it is, but I can't see it being a particularly memorable one. It does not seem like a film that is for multiple viewings, but still a solid effort. Binging concrete to a mainstream audience is quite an achievement in itself.
See my reviews - www.projectionistreview.wordpress.com
Tom Hardy is the only person you see throughout the entire film. He plays Ivan Locke, the man in the drivers seat speaking on his hands-free set while making a drive from Brighton to Croydon. He has to get to a hospital where his mistress Bethan is giving birth to his child. She is distressed and afraid and Locke is determined to get there to see the child. He has made a decision based on the principle that he had a one night stand with her and now the resulting child is his fault and he has to do what is right. While this is happening, he has to deal with a huge concrete delivery for one of the most historic pours in Europe. He has made the decision not to be there as he wants to be with the new born child. He tries sorting out the preparations for delivery through his drunken assistant Donal, and has to deal with his angry boss, who apparently is having a hard time from the top men in Chicago. He loses his job, but is still determined to sort out the delivery and the pour anyway to follow through his principles. He also has to tell his wife about the affair and the resulting baby, which she does not take very well. There are many calls which he has to make, and many calls which he receives about those three problems which he has to deal with almost simultaneously. The limitations of space in the car he is driving in provides the claustrophobia and the tension and anxiety experienced by Locke.
The phone conversations are occasionally broken up by musical interludes showing the passage of time and Tom Hardy's monologues directed to his absent father he imagines to be seated at the back. These monologues are surprisingly dark and full of vitriol to this absent figure who spent his lifetime evading responsibility. He is determined not to make the same mistake with this child and wants to stand behind his decision and wills himself to make everything work at the end of the night. He seems to be a perfectionist who has lead a very organised life. He uses concrete or building analogies to explain his situation. For example, 'One crack and the whole building could come crashing down' explaining his affair and the potential damage to his life.
The film shows a man constantly trying to find a solution to these mounting problems which become progressively exacerbated with each call. A strong will and an ability to solve complicated problems under a limited time-frame with limited communication is what is required of Locke, very much unlike his apparently useless father. Whatever life throws your way, if you take responsibility and take charge of the situation, things will work out. Of course there is a sacrifice. While many of his problems were worked out, unfortunately his family situation is looking like it is coming to a close due to his decision. Sometimes decisions are made which have negative consequences, but the ending is hopeful with the arrival of new life.
It is a nice experiment with an effective use of dialogue to create tension, excitement and sometimes unease. Using what seems to be a normal everyday man dealing with domestic problems gives a level of believability (although I don't know if all these conclusions can possibly be reached in a 2 hour car journey). Tom Hardy gives a solid performance in what is a difficult role. Apparently he receives these calls while he is actually driving, providing more realism needed for this simple premise. For me, the film seemed like a novelty experience where you enjoy for what it is, but I can't see it being a particularly memorable one. It does not seem like a film that is for multiple viewings, but still a solid effort. Binging concrete to a mainstream audience is quite an achievement in itself.
See my reviews - www.projectionistreview.wordpress.com