The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker (2009)
Directed by Kathryn Bigelow
Length: 131 minutes
Rated R for war violence and language




Throughout cinema history, war films have provided a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the battlefields. Whether focusing on the intense and graphic battles (Saving Private Ryan) or the more dramatic and historically significant events (Glory), the average citizen can attempt to understand the horrors and tragedy inherent in war. Though we are given these glimpses, we can never truly understand the torture, fear, pain, and countless other emotions that a soldier encounters while serving during a time of war. Traditionally, war movies focus on a significant battle or figure in history, but The Hurt Locker is anything but a traditional movie.

The film follows an elite American bomb squad serving in Iraq, circa 2004. The squad's mission is to disarm and minimize casualties from IEDs (improvised explosive device) that threaten the prospects of freedom and innocent life.Specifically, the protagonist SSgt. William James, played by Jeremy Renner (The Avengers, 28 Weeks Later), serves as the squad leader and resident cavalier who often unnecessarily risks not only his own life but that of his squad mates in order to enjoy the thrill facing imminent death brings.

The heart of The Hurt Locker concerns the bomb diffusing scenes. In a variety of different scenarios, we see the squad deal with the intense pressure of each situation in entirely different manners. While SSgt. James's squad may attempt to follow procedure while exhibiting visible fear and anxiety, James plays the overconfident "cool guy" who lives for the moment. Though James is obviously arrogant and dangerous, there are multiple scenes that showcase the vulnerable and damaged side of the Staff Sergent. Unlike his squad mates that count down the days until their tours of duty are over, James dreads losing the thrill - the threat of normalcy. Though a family waits at home, he continues to endanger his life, but for what? To serve his country? The honor and pride of helping others? Kathryn Bigelow, the director, leaves you to wonder if Iraq is nothing but a giant sandbox waiting for James to play with his explosive toys.

The Hurt Locker is definitely not a feel good movie; you should not watch the film expecting American propaganda or "liberal" agenda. Instead, Bigelow has created an interesting look at the modern soldier. Though most are innocent and genuine persons, the horrors of war, specifically the tactics utilized by the terrorist in the region leave emotional and visible scars on our soldiers, forever transforming them into only a husk of their former selves. James serves as the example of this transformation. Though his intentions are obviously well placed, his efforts to embrace the region are quickly shattered by the deaths he faces, specifically when it becomes personalized beyond simply another "haji".

Though the film is not explicitly graphic in terms of gore or other traditional metrics, some scenes can be extremely tense and horrific. When we turn on the evening news and hear about another road side bombing, few stop to consider the soldiers who risk their lives to prevent such incidents. Providing a look into a side of war people rarely consider, Bigelow has succeed in capturing the fear, anxiety, and trauma our soldiers suffer in liberating Iraq.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Quote: "The rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug." - Chris Hedges

Oscar Winners:
Best Motion Picture
Best Achievement in Directing - Kathryn Bigelow
Best Achievement in Editing
Best Achievement in Sound Mixing
Best Achievement in Sound Editing
Best Original Screenplay

Oscar Nominations:
Best Actor in a Leading Role - Jeremy Renner
Best Achievement in Cinematography
Best Original Score