film
Destination unknown
‘Locke’ has made a very important decision
by Michael J. Casey
W
hen Ivan Locke left work, he had a family, a wife, a home, a job and a claim in one of Europe’s future skyscrapers. By the time he reaches his destination, he will have lost it all. To borrow Tolstoy’s opening line from Anna Karenina, “Happy commuters are all alike; every unhappy commuter is unhappy in their own way.” Locke, which is playing at The Boe until Aug. 30, centers on Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy), a concrete foreman on the eve of the largest non-military, nonnuclear concrete pour in the history of Europe. The pour is so large that streets will be closed so enough trucks can approach the site and set the block for the foundation of a 55-story skyscraper. Once hardened, concrete has a permanency that will last a lifetime, but prior to setting, concrete is far too fragile for mistakes. One imperfection, one misplaced piece of rebar, and a crack will form. Small cracks become bigger cracks and bigger cracks bring the whole thing down. Now is not the time for mistakes and distractions. Too bad for Locke, he had no intention of everything convalescing on this particular night, but it did — it was out of his control — and the cracks in Ivan Locke are beginning to show. Written and directed by Steven Knight (writer
BEING GINGER
At first this film seems to be a comedy about a redhaired man trying to find love, but through revealing moments, whimsical animation and real interviews, a universal story arises. Through captivating storytelling, we journey with the filmmaker as he lets the viewer into his thoughts, experiences, and internal processing of how his red hair has defined him. Finding oneself through finding love and being able to accept it can be experienced by all. While the film’s title highlights red hair, it is about much, much more. Everyone should watch this film and reflect on what makes them “ginger” in their own life. And, of course, give a ginger some love. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
of Eastern Promises and Dirty Pretty Things), Locke runs 84 minutes and plays out in real time as Locke commutes from Birmingham to London while talking to family and coworkers via Bluetooth phone. The conversations are of a disastrous nature, but oddly, Locke doesn’t try to save anyone, undo irreparable damage or make everything right. Instead, Locke tries to rationalize his actions and decisions to anyone who will listen. Maybe not for others, but certainly for himself. Locke is not a movie of action, it is a movie of reaction. Reaction to events that transpired long ago and decisions that Locke has been silently turning over in his mind for his audacious music and a great deal of courage, he helped bring a change in Nigeria, promoted Pan Africanist politics to the entire world, and became an inspiration in the global fight for the rights of all oppressed people. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
THE FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL Now in its 10th year, the Found Footage Festival is about to make its IFS debut after several successful years at the Boulder Theater. This festival showcases random videos that have been found. “Found” can mean in the trash, at a garage sale or in somebody’s attic. It’s always a blast to see what these rediscovered VHS tapes have to offer. the Festival is Friday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. only, Muenzinger Auditorium
CYBER SENIORS
Join us for this heartwarming, humorous and candid documentary about the challenges and victories of seniors as they dive into the digital world. A group of initially reluctant computer novices discover the wonders of the internet with the help of teenage mentors. Following each screening Don Walker and Jack Williamson will host a discussion about how to be involved in launching a similar project here in Boulder. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
FINDING FELA
Take an in-depth look at the man who created Afrobeat, highlighting Fela Kuti’s fight against the dictatorial Nigerian government of the 1970s and 1980s. With
48 August 28, 2014
weeks. I will not divulge them here, simply because my feeble words of explanation would pale in comparison to Locke’s well-thought-out thesis. Locke is anchored by Hardy, (best known to American audiences as Bane in The Dark Knight Rises and Tommy in the underseen Warrior) an electric actor of the highest sort. His ability to hold the screen is unparalleled, and in Locke, Hardy turns the driver’s seat of his topof-the-line BMW into an existential battleground; playing both devil and angel perched upon his constantly sagging shoulders while a real-life high-stakes drama plays out across his face. Two words sum up the reason to go see Locke: Tom Hardy, but there is more here than just an excellent performance. Knight and the film’s cinematographer, Haris Zambarloukos, add depth by visualizing Locke’s fracturing psyche with reflections and superimpositions a-plenty. Headlights, taillights and street lights all glint off Locke’s face and windshield en masse, each one symbolizing another ball that Locke is trying desperately to keep in the air. Locke is a reminder that cinema can be anything it wants to be, as long as the characters are compelling and presented in a captivating manner. Locke has both in spades. Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com OPERA: LA FANCIULLA DEL WEST In the wake of the first literary westerns, Puccini gave opera its first ever western: a tale of souls stranded at the edge of the world, a tale of laughter and of tears, both exotic and overwhelming. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
THE ROLLING STONES: SWEET SUMMER SUN — CONCERT IN HYDE PARK In the summer of 2013, the Stones delivered a five-star performance in their hometown that had both fans and critics singing their praises. The set packed in hit after hit and saw the band joined by former guitarist Mick Taylor for a special guest appearance on two songs. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
IDA
YANGSI
This film is a moving and intimate drama about a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, makes a shocking discovery about her past. Powerfully written and eloquently shot, experience a masterly evocation of a time, a dilemma and a defining historical moment, which is also personal, intimate and human. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
Recognized as the reincarnation of one of the most revered Tibetan Masters of the 20th century, Ugyen Tenzin Jigme Lhundrup must train to perpetuate this legacy, ultimately assuming his full responsibilities at age 18. Unfolding over 14 years, with unusual intimacy, we see the experience of being “recognized,” both on the part of the young child, and for his family, his teachers and his future disciples. Screening is followed by Q&A with the filmmaker on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
LOCKE See full review above. At Boedecker. — Boedecker Theater
Respond: letters@boulderweekly.
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