If you are a fan of British movies then you really have been in your element this year, as there has been a collection of wonderful films in this genre over the last twelve months. I am a huge fan of British film, and a series of Brit movies have made it into out top ten Best Movies of 2014 countdown… Locke is the first in at number seven.
Locke
Locke marked the return of Steven Knight to the director's chair - he also penned the screenplay - as he teamed up with actor Tom Hardy for the first time. Locke is the best solo performance movie of the year, as Hardy gives another standout performance - and there have been quite a few of them during his career.
Ivan Locke (Hardy) has worked diligently to craft the life he has envisioned, dedicating himself to the job that he loves and the family he adores. On the eve of the biggest challenge of his career, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of events that will unravel his family, job, and soul.All taking place over the course of one absolutely riveting car ride, Locke is an exploration of how one decision can lead to the complete collapse of a life.
Solo performance movies are always a little tricky, as the entire movie depends on the central turn of just one actor, but in this case, Knight was on to a winner when he cast Hardy in the role of Ivan. Hardy has given some great performances during his career and this really is up there with one of the best.
Now, following a man during a car journey may not sound very riveting, but in the hands of Hardy, Locke is one hell of an engrossing movie, as we watch this man's life change beyond recognition. While Hardy takes huge credit for that, we also have to slap Steven Knight on the back for writing such a fantastic script.
In eighty-five minutes, Knight has created a magnificence piece of human drama that is packed with themes that will resonate with audiences. This solo performance from Hardy is nothing short of a masterclass, as he commands the screen and demands you attention from the first moment until the final frame.
Over the eight five minutes, we truly get to know Ivan Locke: the kind of man he is, his drive, the love he has for his family, and the problems that he has had in his past. Locke is a true character study, and is brought to life wonderfully by a great performance from Hardy and beautifully written by Knight - together they really had made a great team to deliver this incredible movie.
Locke is a movie that throws traditional filmmaking techniques out of the window, as Knight and Hardy were willing to embrace chaos and uncertainty with more of an experimental structure. However, this chaotic feeling to the way the movie is shot really does work a treat and better reflects the uncertainty of life - we really don't know what is around the corner or what curve ball life is going to throw us.
Set in the confines of this car, we are treated to a story that is as exciting as it is rich as Knight and Hardy explore interesting themes, open up a flawed character, and leave him bare and exposed. And while Locke may have made some wrong choices along the way, Hardy portrays him in a way where you can't help but root for him - in lesser-experienced and talented hands this is something that may not have been achieved.
Locke really is one of the best human dramas that I have watched this year and Hardy's versatility as an actor continues to excite. He was an actor that I was already a huge fan of; he went up even more in my estimation when the credits on Locke rolled. He really does deliver one of the performances of his career and truly makes this movie what it is. A real tour-de-force that every movie fan should experience.
Tagged in Tom Hardy