Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a 1998 British crime comedy film directed by Guy Ritchie. The film features an ensemble cast including Jason Flemyng, Dexter Fletcher, Nick Moran, and Jason Statham. Set in the gritty underworld of London, the film follows a group of friends who become entangled in a series of misadventures involving debt, crime, and the pursuit of two antique shotguns.

The Story Unfolds

The Card Game

The film begins with Eddy (Nick Moran), a card sharp, convincing his friends Tom (Jason Flemyng), Bacon (Jason Statham), and Soap (Dexter Fletcher) to pool £100,000 so he can buy into a high-stakes poker game hosted by the crime lord “Hatchet” Harry Lonsdale (P.H. Moriarty). Eddy loses the game due to Harry’s cheating and ends up owing Harry £500,000, payable within a week.

The Debt and the Plan

Faced with an impossible deadline, Eddy and his friends scramble to find a way to pay off the debt. They overhear their neighbors, a gang of small-time criminals, planning a heist on a group of cannabis growers. Eddy and his friends decide to rob the robbers, hoping to clear their debt with the stolen money.

The Climax and Resolution

The Heist

The heist goes off with several hitches, leading to a chaotic series of events involving various criminal elements, including the cannabis growers, a violent enforcer named Big Chris (Vinnie Jones), and two antique double-barreled shotguns that everyone is after. The intertwining plots culminate in a violent confrontation where most of the criminals end up dead.

The Final Twist

In the film’s final twist, Eddy and his friends manage to escape the carnage with the money. However, they realize that the two antique shotguns they discarded earlier are worth a fortune. Tom is sent to retrieve the shotguns from the river but the film ends ambiguously with him attempting to retrieve them, leaving their fate uncertain.

The Conclusion

The Aftermath

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels concludes on an open-ended note, with the surviving characters escaping immediate danger but still facing potential future complications. The film’s blend of dark humor, clever dialogue, and intricate plotting make it a standout in the crime comedy genre.

Movie Ending

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels ends with a suspenseful and humorous twist, as the characters realize the true value of the antique shotguns, but their fate remains uncertain as Tom tries to retrieve them from the river.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Type of Movie

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is a crime comedy film that combines elements of heist, thriller, and dark humor, focusing on themes of friendship, deception, and the chaotic nature of crime.

Cast

• Jason Flemyng as Tom
• Dexter Fletcher as Soap
• Nick Moran as Eddy
• Jason Statham as Bacon
• Vinnie Jones as Big Chris
• P.H. Moriarty as “Hatchet” Harry Lonsdale
• Steven Mackintosh as Winston
• Sting as J.D.

Film Music and Composer

The film’s eclectic soundtrack includes various artists and genres, enhancing its energetic and edgy atmosphere. Notable tracks include “Spooky” by Dusty Springfield and “The Payback” by James Brown.

Filming Locations

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels was filmed in various locations around London, including:

• Brick Lane: For street scenes.
• Borough Market: For market scenes.
• Shoreditch: For several interior and exterior scenes.

Awards and Nominations

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels received several awards and nominations, including:

• British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA): Nominated for Best British Film.
• Empire Awards: Won Best British Director (Guy Ritchie).
• Evening Standard British Film Awards: Won Best Screenplay (Guy Ritchie).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• The film marked the breakthrough for director Guy Ritchie, establishing his distinctive style characterized by rapid cuts, multi-layered plots, and sharp dialogue.
• Jason Statham, a former street vendor, made his film debut in this movie, launching his successful acting career.
• The film was produced on a modest budget and became a sleeper hit, grossing over $28 million worldwide.

Inspirations and References

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is inspired by classic British gangster films and American crime comedies. Guy Ritchie’s writing and directing style draws on influences from Quentin Tarantino and the Coen Brothers, blending gritty realism with dark humor.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels closely follows Guy Ritchie’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels is not based on a book, it has inspired various analyses and discussions in film literature due to its impact on the crime comedy genre and its unique storytelling approach.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The rigged poker game where Eddy loses the money.
• The chaotic heist on the cannabis growers.
• The violent confrontation involving multiple criminal factions.
• The final scene where Tom tries to retrieve the shotguns.

Iconic Quotes

• “It’s been emotional.” – Big Chris
• “If the milk turns out to be sour, I ain’t the kind of pussy to drink it.” – Rory Breaker
• “Guns for show, knives for a pro.” – Soap

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film includes numerous visual and narrative nods to classic crime films, enhancing its appeal to genre fans.
• Guy Ritchie’s cameo appearance as a man reading a newspaper during the poker game adds a personal touch to the film.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately £1.35 million, and it grossed over $28 million worldwide.
• Vinnie Jones, a former professional footballer, made his acting debut as Big Chris, a role that established his career in film.
• The film’s success led to a TV series spin-off, Lock, Stock…, which further explored the world and characters introduced in the film.

Why Watch?

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels offers a dynamic and entertaining blend of crime, comedy, and clever storytelling, featuring strong performances, particularly by Jason Statham and Vinnie Jones, and the distinctive directorial style of Guy Ritchie. Its energetic pacing, sharp dialogue, and memorable characters make it a must-watch for fans of crime comedies and heist films.

Director’s Other Movies

Guy Ritchie also directed:

• Snatch (2000)
• RocknRolla (2008)
• Sherlock Holmes (2009)
• The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
• Aladdin (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Snatch (2000)
• Layer Cake (2004)
• The Italian Job (2003)
• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• Reservoir Dogs (1992)