Voices From A Locked Room is a darkly fascinating psychological drama that details the lives of Philip Heseltine and Peter Warlock. A classical music composer in 1930s London, Warlock’s bizarre behaviour caused storms of controversy that led to speculation about his mental fitness. Voices From A Locked Room explores the most extreme conjecture about what was going on in Warlock’s head, leading to a movie that is intriguing but farfetched.
This is the sort of film during which the viewer can’t help but wonder if the truth might have made for a better movie than fiction. Heseltine and Warlock were real people, so there was plenty of room for a fact-based drama. However, once you get past the idea that this is supposed to be a ‘true-ish’ story, it becomes possible to become immersed in this unpretentious little film.
With a pretty sound track, a compelling story and decent acting, Voices From a Locked Room proves to be a satisfying find. It is a solidly made movie with a gripping story. In the music world of London in 1930, Warlock is a much-favoured composer. The only person who finds fault with his popular work is the powerful critic Philip Heseltine. When American torch singer Lily Buxton enters the picture as Philip’s lover, the battle between the Peter and Philip escalates in intensity and reaches new extremes. Lily is eager for the feud to end, but discovers the root of the problem is more complex and alarming than anything she could have imagined.
Jeremy Northam is thoroughly competent in playing both of the film’s key roles. These are divergent characters – Philip Heseltine and Peter Warlock – so it’s an ambitious acting effort on Northam’s part. The scenes where these characters descend into madness are disturbingly memorable. Tushka Bergen is lovely and has a strong presence as Lily Buxton. The long club scenes in which she performs provide an enjoyable flashback to a music style long since past. Scenes showing the growth and intensification of Philip and Lily’s relationship are absorbing.
The film’s music soundtrack is almost overbearingly prominent, but thankfully it is engaging. Screen time tips a little too far in favour of the extended nightclub scenes while Lily sings or an orchestra performs. We really don’t need quite so much of the music, but at least it stops short of distracting us from the storyline.
Voices From A Locked Room is a low profile film that proves to be a nice find. It is compelling, intriguing and great for an evening’s entertainment.
