Ranking Tom Hardy’s 10 Best Performances (By How Much You Can Understand Him)

1. Locke (2013)

This real time, single setting personal drama is one of the most tensely crafted films of recent years, and was thus an instant film festival favourite all over the world. The rapturous reception that the film received globally is due almost entirely to Hardy's subtle, restrained, and incredibly patient performance as Ivan Locke - a man whose life is rapidly crumbling around him, as he drives solo along the M6 at night. While that might not sound like the premise of a particularly exciting film, nothing could be further from the truth. The film is gut wrenching, and despite the negative revelations that Hardy€™s character opens up about during the drive, it is impossible not to empathise with him as things go from bad to worse. The key to making the film€™s unique concept work is in the film€™s dialogue - and it is Hardy€™s deliberate delivery that makes this film the stunner that it is. The audience has to hang on every word that Hardy utters, and it is imperative that they do not miss anything. Each line provides more insight into the damaged psyche of this man whose world is imploding, but in the hands of a less capable actor, it could potentially have been a boring disaster. Because Hardy breathes a level of calmness and rigid formality into nearly every statement that Locke utters, the tension of the film lifts with every word he enunciates, and each syllable provides valuable insight into just who Ivan Locke is. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtpnNuvCA2k The performance is an incredible balancing act between clearly stating every word deliberately with poise, and presenting a veneer of strength that is ready to crack. There is nothing quite like it in Hardy€™s impressive CV. Which is your favourite Tom Hardy performance? Share your picks below in the comments thread below.