'Locke' International Poster

Illustrates what must be a central theme of 'Locke': Running away. In trailers, Tom Hardy's character is clearly upset and has an urgent agenda. However, he's not rushing toward something (as we might think, or take for granted), he's running away, as if it's only a matter of time before someone figures out what he's done and comes looking for him, and this new poster works that element.

We get a milder sense of this from the domestic poster that came out a while back (below).

Locke is seen only in the rear-view mirror, which leaves little doubt this guy wants to know what might be coming up behind him, but it's pretty straight-forward when compared to the new international poster.

Here's the Italian version:





































Much more dynamic. This time Locke is looking behind him whereas, in the domestic version he is looking forward. Makes a big difference.

Plus, the overall color balance has a strong red-shift (while the other one is more neutral-blue). There is also a strong red flair to the left of Locke's face, right in his eye-line. So, this guy wants to go forward but all that red light is telling him/us there is a force blocking his way. The domestic poster doesn't go there at all.

New poster also imparts more of a sense of motion, whereas the previous one has a static vibe. We also get more of a sense of vulnerability from the character in the Italian version -- he looks worried (about what's behind him). In the domestic poster Locke simply looks determined -- it's more generic.

The one thing the domestic version does better is imply this character is not who he presents himself to be, or has done something in the past he tries to keep hidden. This is illustrated by the multiple images that ghost out on the left, becoming more transparent as they go.

Otherwise, the international poster beats ours to pieces. It utilizes graphic elements better and has more emotional depth. Happens all the time.