critical approaches: lock, stock and two smoking barrels

Critical approaches: Film Analysis

Lock, Stock and Two smoking Barrels

The film was directed and written by Guy Ritchie. It was produced by Matthew Vaughn and Steve Tisch and narrated by Alan Ford. The main actors starring in the film are Jason Flemyng who played Tom, Dexter fletcher who played Soap, Nick Moran who played Eddy, and Jason Statham who played Bacon. The release date of the film is the 28^th of August in 1998; it is a British crime comedy thriller genre film. In similarly to Scarface the film is linear, the events all happen in order. For the film it has a set up, development and resolution.

                                                            Narrative                                                                                                                  The narrative about four friends who have known each other for a long time, Eddy, Tom, Soap and Bacon. Together they put together a large sum of money of £100,000 so that one of them Eddy who is thought to be a pro at cards can buy into one of Harry Lonsdale’s weekly high stakes game in hopes of winning easy money. Harry then learns from his personal bodyguard Barry, knowing that Eddy can’t possibly win the game is fixed by Harrys personal bodyguard, Barry watches the feed from a hidden camera which reveals and shows Eddy’s card to Harry. The game is fixed in a way that Eddy the card shark who is representing the group would lose to Harry. In the end Eddy ends up losing the groups £100,000, but an additional £400,000. Owing a value of £500,000 in dept. which needs to be paid back within a week. Barry threatens the loss of fingers from each member of the group and Eddie’s fathers bar if he does not pay up. Seeing that all four of the lads are responsible for fronting the stake money, they will all have the responsibility of paying the debt.

Then we see Harrys trustworthy but violent debt collector called big Chris, who we see bring his son little Chris to his work. He is assigned to collect the payment on the due date.

Several days gone past and having no luck with coming up with the money for the debt. Eddie returns home and overhears his neighbours who are a gang of thieves who are well known for their robbery of drug dealers. He overhears them planning to heist on marijuana growers who supposedly have a large amount of money and drugs. Eddy goes back to his group and tells them about the information he overheard and they all plan to rob eddies neighbours after they have robbed from the heist which would solve their debt problem.

Tom uses his connections with underground dealers, known as nick to provide them with antique shotguns and arranges a deal with Rory a sociopath gangster to purchase the stolen weed. Prior to the card game, a pair of lowlife criminals Gary and Dean were also hired by Barry to rob a bankrupt millionaire for harry who the antique shotguns from the stolen pile for his personal collections.  Then learning that the guns had been sold Barry becomes furious and threatens the two to get them back into their possession.

The neighbour’s thefts continue the robbery in spite of one of a gang member being killed by his own Bren gun. And then an implicating encounter with a traffic warden the job still manages to be an accomplishment. Returning to their flat the four friends ambush the gangster neighbours and manages to take the loot. They then return later that day to stash the goods next door. Then after that the group go out to Eddie’s fathers bar to have a drink and celebrate their great success. The entire characters end up colliding with one another when Rory uncovers that the weed, he was planning on purchasing had been robbed. Rory intimidatingly interrogates Nick into revealing when all four of the friends lived and counts on one of the chemist to identify who the robbers are. For the time being mad about their loss Dog then throws one of his men through a wall to their flat, and encounters the taping equipment and the stolen merchandises. While he is counting the money and his men prepare for an ambush, Gary and Dean call Nick `as they are trying to recover the antique shotguns. Nick then points them into the direction of where they are kept. Harry’s debt collector also known as Big Chris leaves his son as he goes to the same address, meanwhile the four lads are driving home from the bar.

We then see Rory and his gang attacking the flat and taking part in a vicious shootout with the neighbours, leaving only Dog and Winston alive. Dog then tries to escape with the drugs and is surprised with a mugging by Big Chris and loses both the money and shotguns. Gary and Dean see Big Chris with the guns and hesitantly follow him. The four lads return from the bar to find the loot missing, and a number of dead bodies. Big Chris knowing that Harry likes things such as the antique guns gives them and the cash to him. Once he does that he then returns to his car for find Dog with a knife to his sons throat threatening to kill his son, if he doesn’t go back into the building and get the cash and the guns. Meanwhile Gary and Dean reluctantly attack Harry and Barry at the office. Big Chris gets into the car, Dog then gets suspicious Big Chris states that ‘it’s either a five minute walk or a thirty second drive’. As Big Chris drives he crashes into the four lad’s car disabling Dog he then gets highly vicious as he bashes Dog to death with the car door and his foot. He then goes over to the car he crashes to see if anyone got hurt discovering that the debt money is there. He then goes back into the building finding Barry and Harry killed and the friends he takes back the debt money but allows Tom to escape with the antique guns.

Later on the friends are arrested by the police but are declared innocent, after the traffic warden identifies Dogs gang members who are dead and the prime suspects. Eddy leaves the station and finds his dad outside in his car. Eddy gets in and his dad asked him if the debt is settle and eddy tells him about the death of harry so it appears so, his dad then kicks him out of the car and tells him to walk. The four lads then reunite at Eddies fathers bar and discuss about the disposal of the antique shotguns that are the only remaining evidence that ties them to the crime. Tom tries to persuade the lads to keep the guns and sell them as they will cost around £300 quid. The lads vote against him and tell him to dispose of the gun, once Tom leave Big Chris walks into the bar and puts the money bag that he took from them last on the table in front of them. He then tells them that they work from him now, once he leaves. The lads open the bad to discover that the money is gone and find an antique gun catalogue. The catalogue shows that the antique guns cost a fortune each and then quickly try to get a hold of Tom. We then see Tom at the river Thames Bridge throwing the guns over the side; he then sees that the guns haven’t gone over so climbs slightly over trying to drop the shotguns into the river. He phones starts to ring and he is left with a decision on whether to answer the phone or continue to throw the gun over, the film then ends there leaving the film on 

a cliffhanger.

The film ‘Lock, Stock and two smoking barrel’ has a multi strand storyline. Although the film has one key story that is four friends who go into a debt of £500,000 due to one of the friends thinking he would be able to win a card game but loses to a powerful crime lord due to the game being fixed. To pay of the large debt the four guys decide to rob a gang who happen to be able to solve their problem. There are stories of the other characters that are being told and how they all the characters tie together. I think that the multi- strand storyline is one of the features in the film that are meant to keep the audience interested and keep are attention or keep us going if you will.

The also has an alternative narrative, the events that take part in the film all happen in order. The film has a setup, development and a resolution. We see the four guys losing the money, then attempting to get the money then the problem being resolved. So this is an alternative narrative seeing that everything happens in order rather than being mixed up.

In relations to whether the film is an enigma, I would say it defiantly is, towards the ending of the film when the four lads find out how much the antique guns cost after telling Tom to dispose of them. They call Tom who is in the middle of getting rid of the guns, just as he’s about to put the guns into the river the phone rings and he is stuck decision on whether to answer the phone or continuing pushing the guns over board. Instead of seeing where this scene ends the film ends in both a literal and figurative cliff-hanger. This leaves and raises questions which we don’t get answers to, we are left with wondering if he answers the phone in time or gets rid of the gun. Furthermore this stirs up an emotional response from the audience of annoyance and eagerness.

In terms of equilibrium there are a wide range of equilibriums that occur, throughout the film there are things that disturb the protagonists from meeting their goal. In film we see the four lads getting the money they needed to pay of the debt but always losing it to someone else. For example towards the end of the film we see the four lads in the car ready to leave with the money, and then we see Big Chris crashing into the four lads car to disable Dog who was holding a knife to big Chris’s son. When Big Chris goes to check on the four lads, he sees the money in the car and takes it once again. This is a perfect example of something getting in between the protagonist from achieving their goal. And the film does this many times to I think keep the audience interested and not loss interest.

There are different stages in the film where climax comes into account, the film builds up to the climax like most films do. The climax feature I think is used to make the audience eager to find out whether the protagonist meets their goal and what will happen. For example at the end of the film we see one of the lads, who was told to throw away the antique guns because they were the last remaining evidence to attach them to the crime. Throwing the guns over the bridge, just after the lads told him to get rid of the guns Big Chris crimes in a gives them a gun catalogue which reveals how much the gun are actually worth which is a fortune. We then see the lads trying to get a hold of the guy. In the meantime he is in the process of throwing the gun in the water he hears the phone ring but is unable to answer it because it is in his mouth. In this time the climax is bui8lding up, the audience is thinking whether the guys will get to him on time but just as the climax builds the film ends on a cliffhanger. This makes the audience wonder if they got to him in time or not, which I think is to again keep us interested.

                                                              Genre                                                                                                                       In relations to the genre of the film, there are a variety of codes and conventions that tells and hint to the audience, the genre of the film. There are a variety of aspects within the gangster genre that we associate with, and expect to see.

One of the conventional conventions that is used in this film alongside many other gangster genre films such as Scarface that tells the audience the genre of the film is weapons in particular guns. Throughout the film there is excessive use of gun violence as well as other forms of violence. The film is highly oblique in terms of intertextuality and the variety of violent bouts is something conventional to the genre. This tells the audience that the film genre is gangster because in this genre of film there is always violence of this type, which is used on or against the opposing and conflicting characters. An example of this convention used in the film is towards the end of the film the scene where Gary and Dean go into the office on a mission of retrieving the antique guns but end up in a gun shooting with harry and Barry resulting is everyone dying. Gun violence is something that is expected to happen in gangster genre films.

Another convention that was used in this film is explicit and revealing scenes, this isn’t shown so much in the film but there is a part in the film that uses this convention. In the beginning of the film a few guys where having a discussion of some sort. And in the background that appears to be a strip club there is a girl who is half naked dancing for a guy, she appears to be a stripper. In most films of this genre there are scene of amorous activities of some sort, this is something conventional and associate with the gangster genre.

Another convention used in this film that I looked at is family; in gangster films mostly there is some involvement with family. For this film we see Big Chris as known as Harrys debt collector go around doing his business for harry, such as collecting debts accompanied by his son ‘little Chris’. I think the reason why the son is used in the film is to show Big Chris sensitive and sentimental side. In addition this hints to the audience the type of film this is, because some sort of family involvement is something conventional amongst this genre.

Another connection in the film that reinforces the genre is the law enforcement convention. In gangster film seeing that there is always or most of the time, criminal and illegal things that partake in the film it’s no surprise that there would be law enforcements used.  For example in this film towards the end of the film where the four friends are arrested, but declared innocent by the traffic warden we see Eddy leaving the police station. I think that this convention is used to portray a message to the audience, to say that all the illegal activity that took place and living a gangster life doesn’t come without consciences and at some point you will get caught.

Another convention used in the film that reinforces the genre of the film is tattoos. Some of the characters that are represented in the film do have tattoos. For example Big Chris I noticed had a tattoo on his neck. I this was used to convey his character, the tattoo showed and supported his tough and serious personality. It made him come across as a guy that’s not to be messed with and made him more intimidating if not scary. This convention is normally used in this genre, mostly on the protagonist of the film. To make them come across more tough, and sometimes there is a story behind the tattoo that deploys a past events that happened. In addition this is something that is again expected to be seen in this genre of film.

In relations to alcohol there is use of this convention in not only this film but in most gangster films. One of the scenes where this convention is used is when the four friends celebrate their robbery success at the bar.

One last convention used in most films that explore this genre and associate with this type of film is money and gambling. In most gangster films money is always involved whether it’s something that they had or if it’s something they aim to get. And gambling is something that normally happens in these types of film. In this case money was something that was loss and gambled in a card game; four close friends manage to put together £100,000, contributing £20,000 each in so that one of them could buy into a card game. But due to the game being fixed by a former player the money was loss and needed to owed back alongside an extra £400,000. Resulting in their criminal activities to pay back the debt, furthermore money and betting was an influence and issue in the film and narrative and something connected with the gangster genre.

Representation

in the film women and men are represented and shown in completely different lights. When you watch the film you can see that men are shown as the protagonist in the film. You can see that the men in the film who are business men, they either deal with their own illegal business or are on the other end in relations to criminal tendency.

These are more of less the main men of the film. The film almost revolves around the male characters and, masculine is certainly a primary factor of the film. For example in is in the strip bar where topless females are dancing in the background as they provide a service to the males. This shows that women seem to come second to men in this film, and if they are insignificant. One very strong male lead in the film is the black male lead, when we are presented to this character one of the four guys ask him if he could turn down the volume of the television, then he answers in a strong voice ‘No’. When he said this is conveyed that he is the sort of guy who doesn’t liked to be told what to do and when challenge he would deal with it in a violent act. Which I think this would appeal to those in the audience of this ethnicity.

Other characters in the film that I think play a strong, tough guy act are Big Chris and Harry.  When we are introduced to these characters they are presented as serious men. Harry Is represented as a high-powered man, who is in charge of many businesses and is respected immensely. In similarly to Big Chris is portrayed as a hard man, who takes care business and achieves his aim no matter the cost. Both men are portrayed in very high lights in difference to the females in this film.

In relation to the women in the film, there aren’t many women who are represented in the film. When women do come into the mix it’s either for a short appearance or they end up getting killed. In terms of the film I feel as if women are an insignificant factor, it appears as if women have just been used or thrown in the film to add another convention that we would expect to see in gangster films.

Gloria

The first woman that we see in the film is Gloria who is the older women at the card table dealing out of the cards. Out of all of the women presented to us the audience she is the most respected and valued. In the film she says ‘’

The next woman that is presented to the audience in the film is the girl who was with Eddy. When we are first introduced to her she is extremely high that she is barely conscious this, isn’t really a good representation of her to the audience. This showed that women apart from Gloria were less valued and kind of on a lower level than the male character.

A third woman that is represented to the audience, she isn’t introduced in the film and was only shown for a short part. She was shown dancing on a pole with very little attire conveying that she was in fact a stripper. This showed the audience that again women weren’t shown respected much, as this woman is represented as improper and indecent. I think that the stripper was added in the film, because the primarily gender that is aimed at through the film is males in particular young males. This feature is something that would entertain them and I think it’s for their amusement rather than for the female audience.

The last female that we see in the film is the young woman who is disguised under either a pill of clothes or some sort of material. And she comes up shooting with a gun killing numerous men then is killed herself. I think this was kind of a symbolic feature in the film, I think it was to kind of show that women have no business in this particular life style. That this lifestyle should be left up to the men and that women are appropriate or significant enough to deal and do the things those men do 

in that business.

                                                     Target Audience                                                                                                                      For this film there is a target audience that has been targeted through conventions and elements in the film. In relations to the age of the audience I would say that the age been targeted is 18. Due to the film classification being 18, anyone below this age isn’t be targeted, it’s obvious that the film is aimed at those who are 18 and over. Also considering the genre of the film (gangster), this would involve strong violence and excessive use of strong language that wouldn’t be appropriate to anyone below the classified age. Also the film is based on strong topics such as drugs, gangs and violence that suggest that the target audience is an older market. In anchorage to the storyline, actors and topics is obvious that the film is aimed at an older market.

The gender that I think is being targeted in the audience is young males. I say this because the film looks at the lives of typical blocks. I think this gender would be able to maybe relate to different characters, such as Big Chris who is represented as a strong and rough guy who doesn’t mess around. Also like the film ‘Scarface’ the film is very male dominated. Though the film is primarily targeted at your average lads I do think secondarily would appeal to young women like myself, what I think would appeal to the female audience is the four innocent and lovable friends who get mixed up in London’s underworld. In addition there are aspects in the film that I think are primarily aimed at men such as violence, snarky remarks and strippers. These are topics which are something that the male gender would find interested in.  an example of violence that I think would appeal more to the male audience then females is the scene from the film where Dog threatens Little Chris and Big Chris disables Dog by crashing into another car. We then see Big Chris kicking and smashing a door into Dogs face. For a bigger impact we have the camera focusing on Big Chris’s actions then it goes to Dogs view or perspective to extend the effect on the audience of the violence.

In terms of ethnicity of the audience I think the primary ethnicity that is being targeted through the audience is British people. I think that British people, particular British lads would be able to relate to the main characters in the film. Also the film shows what typical English lads would do such as going to a bar to have a drink with a few mates, so I think in that respect I think this would appeal to them because it’s something they might do. In addition though the film is aimed at white British people but I do think some black British people from the audience would be interested in the film due to the strong black male lead. I think black people would be able to relate to maybe his remarks and attitude.

The location of the audience that is being targeted through the film, are those in London. Seeing that the film is a British movie, starring quite well established English actors. This suggests that the film is intent on aiming those situated in London. In addition due to the accents and humour people of in different locations of different ethnicities might not be able to understand English humours or/and the language that is used in the film.

In relations to the marital status of the audience that the film targets, I don’t think this is perhaps relevant or is an issue in who the film targets. However I do think the film would target those of single marital status in particular single lads. I say this because the film is about four guys who happen to all be single; I think that single guys in the audience may be able to again relate to the characters.

I think that this film would appeal to a niche audience, a small audience of similar taste. I this because the film is directed and aimed at Londoners in particular English people, because the film is focused on four average and typical lads of London, so I think guys of this type would find this film particular enjoyable. I also think that this film would appeal to those who have an interest in British and gangster films, which 

are features of this film.

Violence

Though to my surprise that I found the film quite enjoyable, I do have some opinions on the use of violence used though out the film. One of the scenes that I have high opinions on in the film is when Dog sneaks into Big Chris car and put a knife at his son. This scene gave an emotional response I found this scene to be nerve-racking, it made wonder if Dog would end up killing Big Chris’s son and if so how violently he would react. I knew that if this did happen Big Chris would react violently though he is portrayed to be tough and dangerous, his son is the only thing that we see him acting caring and fatherly too and I think if his son were to have been killed that would have him home for Big Chris and provoked him violently. Then when Big Chris crashed into a car and disabled Dog he continued to brutally kick him and slam the car door in to him. I found this scene to be a bit much and a bit too violent for my taste, but I do think this show how much Big Chris cared and valued his son, but also supported his dangerous tough guy portrayal.

Another scene that I had opinions about is the office shooting. This is the scene when Gary and Dean go into a building to get the antique guns back and result in everyone getting killed. I found this scene to be a bit idiotic and ridiculous because both Gary and Dean didn’t seem to take it very seriously and were conveyed as scared. Furthermore it was as If they didn’t really know what they were doing or getting themselves into which is clearly shown in the way they died.

One last scene that I have opinions about is the scene where Dogs gang get killed in the four friend’s apartment and the friends come back from the bar to their apartment to find countless bodies. I found this scene very violent and quite disturbing at not some much the amount of bodies but at the wounds that resulted in their death. Although I found this scene highly violent I do think that this high in violence supports the gangster genre, and is something that I would link to this type of film.