Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels is British director Guy Ritchie’s take on the Tarantino-style quick-witted over-the-top gangster movie. Every element of criminal life is present: guns, drugs, sex, and violence. Characters have humorous/dangerous names like Hatchet Harry, Barry the Baptist, and Nick the Greek. It is both distinctly British – cultural quirks, accents, and slang included – yet relatable to pan-Western character sketches of criminal ruthlessness. And, in the tradition of Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, Lock, Stock draws from a varied palette of rock and soul establishing mood and a general sense of cool.
The soundtrack starts identically to the movie, with “Hundred Mile High City” by Ocean Colour Scene. Its frantic pace and distinctly Brit-rock flavor instantly draws the listener in. But, much as the plot unfurls, audio clips and instrumental selections mirror the patchwork narrative, creating a dynamic listening experience. The slinky “Spooky” by Dusty Springfield follows “Police and Thieves” by reggae artist Junior Murvin, reflecting adjoining scenes taking place in a marijuana growing den and strip club respectively.
For veteran viewers of Lock, Stock, the soundtrack’s accuracy to the plot and choice quotes make it a close second to re-watching the movie. And, as the soundtrack ends with Big Chris’s quote, “It’s been emotional,” followed by “18 With a Bullet” by Pete Wingfield, you can’t help but agree.
