Review of Locke (2014) by Brandon B — 15 Aug 2014

Director Steven Knight stated on the commentary that supposedly Steven Spielberg called Tom Hardy after screening the one-man-show "Locke". As the story goes, Spielberg praised the actor for what he thought was a brilliant performance. I couldn't agree more.

Hardy gives what is perhaps his finest performance since "Bronson" if not his career. It is a performance that displays such emotional intensity yet, surprisingly, it is also physically restrained. Many thespians would do well to learn from this role which says that acting can indeed be achieved successfully without the need to overdo. Hardy is able to convey so much of what's going on in his mind with a simple reserved look.

The themes presented here are universal yet rarely discussed in cinema. This really is a movie that is better the less you know about it. Themes of logic vs. emotion & rationality vs. impulse (a few times Locke talks of coming to a "practical next step" in certain situations; echoing the philosopher John Locke in what is no coincidence) ultimately lead to the theme of self-discovery in what is the climax of the film.

This is a movie that, although great, would be difficult to watch again simply due to the claustrophobic story and setting. However, for the cinema fanatic who enjoys watching a one-of-a-kind performance, it most assuredly deserves a place on your movie shelf.