DVD Corner

Locke Blu-ray Review

Tom Hardy’s stand-out performances makes “Locke” worth watching.

“Locke,” which revolves around a man named Ivan Locke talking on his hands free phone while driving in his car, is not a cinematic movie. It very much feels like a one man show play adapted for the screen. Despite all of that, however, it still manages to be an absorbing drama. Writer/director Steven Knight deserves credit for creating a complex character study (in a confined setting) about a man who is trying to prevent his life from falling apart amidst complications with his career, marriage, and a pregnant woman he had a fling with. I could go into more detail about the plot or his curious chats with his “father,” but “Locke” is the type of film that plays better knowing as little as possible. Seeing how it unfolds is what makes it rewarding.

While Steven Knight is one of the reasons the gimmicky film manages to work, much of the movie’s success is due in part to actor Tom Hardy’s tour de force performance. Hardy (best known as Bane from “The Dark Knight Rises”) is given the tough task of carrying the  film on his back. Granted, he has audible characters to interact with, but the entirety of the story lies on his emotions, conversational responses, mannerisms, and reactions. It’s arguably the highlight of his already illustrious career.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.40:1 1080p. How does it look? Even though the film contains limited visuals, I think viewers will be surprised at how sharp this film looks.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? While a bit soft for my liking, it still does the job.

Extras:
* Digital HD copy.
* Lionsgate trailers.
* “Ordinary Unraveling: Making Locke”- A standard featurette that contains cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and film clips.
* A bland solo commentary by Steven Knight.

Overall Thoughts: “Locke” may not be for everyone, but it’s well worth watching if you’re game for a unique character drama.

August 10, 2014 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Locke Blu-ray Review, Tom Hardy