Perhaps one of the reasons that the film’s producer wanted two different DPs is due to the story possessing a certain duality. While it may appear at first as a horror film, Locked is actually a psychological thriller. The storyline created an environment for the filmmakers to freely share ideas. After reading the script, Gao realized felt that the film should be equally about the main character’s schizophrenia as the horror aspect. She communicated to Brewer her vision of a fast shaky camera to convey the uneasy relationship between the characters and the tension. Ruixi also introduced the use of camera movements that transitioned between characters up close and then retreating to create more tension, all of which were embraced by the producers and her co-DP.
In the beginning, “Locked” seems to be a horror film that keeps the audience guessing. This only exacerbates as the plot unfolds. What first appears to be a man fending off those who mean to harm him (and his wife) reveals a deep secret from himself and the viewer. His would be attackers force him to unlock a door, revealing his dead wife. Metaphorically, opening this door helps to reveal that the man has split personalities, one of which killed his own wife. Gao notes, “I was very excited to work on this project. I’ve always been intrigued by studies of the human mind and personality. I’ve never worked on a film about this specific topic although there are elements of a horror film which is not unfamiliar to me in my work. The opportunity to share ideas with someone who has had great success in the genre like David, cooperating with him and witnessing his process…it was very rewarding for me.” Both cinematographers worked with the director to achieve his vision. Running simultaneous location shoots can be a challenge even with a unified approach and vision. The location shooting schedule was very brief and thus prohibited any reshoots, making the initial execution paramount. David M. Brewer declares, “In addition to all of her talent, Ruixi has the energy of a young filmmaker. This is one of the most vital traits for the gifted individuals who push the art form into new areas. Ruixi is always thinking about how to make a shot great…not just getting a good shot. She is a rare talent in the field of cinematography. Across race, gender, and culture, she brings not only a keen understanding or art and technology but also the awareness of propelling it into new places. It will be Ruixi and her generation that keep the audience engaged in the great films that will be created in the future.”
The inclusion of “Locked” into the famed Cannes Film Festival is a source of great pride for the young cinematographer. As perhaps the most recognized and celebrated film festival on the planet, Cannes gave Gao the ability to have her work seen by the elite of the industry of every country. She comments, “I am very honored and excited to have my work at Cannes. I have so much respect for the other cinematographers who will also be seen there; it’s wonderful to be considered part of that community. Yes, it means that others will see my work but it also gives me the opportunity to see theirs and learn from what they are doing. I don’t want to ever stop learning. “There are those who confess their own hubris and forge ahead with disregard for others. While this is one path, Ruixi Gao prefers to be aware of her peers and to adopt the parts of their process that complement her own and enable her to empower the storytellers she works with in her career. A constant state of evolution is her journey, never settling for “good enough” is her goal.