Movie Review- The Hurt Locker

If there's one film you must see this year, it has to be the much anticpated The Hurt Locker. I'm not saying this is the best film of the year, but it is definitely the most inspirational. The beautiful cinematography, wonderful performances and spectacular direction rise the material above the average Iraq war fare, and makes this one resounding success.

Starring relative unknowns, and directed by supposed 'has-been', Katheryn Bigelow (Point Break), The Hurt Locker relies more on nerve wracking suspense than structure. There isn't a major plot line to follow and the twists and turns of this bomb disposal unit is hard to follow at times.

The only narrative line to sink your teeth into is that of the relationship between the three bomb squad team members.Newly appointed leader, Will James (Jeremy Renner) is cocky and reckless in the face of danger, which infuriates his by the books comrades, J.T. Sanbourne (Anthony Mackie) and Owen Eldrige (Brian Gerghty.)

The heated debates and powerful punch ups are heightened by our emotional connection to the three leads. All three are equally impressive, especially Renner (looking like a cross between Tobey Maguire and Eminem), who's scorching performance is always exciting to watch. It would be a particular shame if Katheryn Bigelow didn't recieve at least an Oscar nomination, as she once again proves what a verstaile (and underrated) director she is. The haunting slow-mo scenes and shaky cam feel really make you feel immersed in this world. Beat that, Zack Synder!

It is so clear to see how much effort was put into everything in the film. A particular piece is the wonderfully realistic script. Instead of throwing lots of confusing dialouge at us, script writer Mark Boal (who's memoirs are the basis of the film) focuses more on the characters inner feelings, using facial expressions more than words, which has such a great visual effect. It's a tiny detail, but it's certainly one worth noting.
The music is also equsite, and used only in small spades, but when it is used, it really mounts up the tension.

The film makes the mistake of being too repetitive, however. It's always fascinating to see into the lives of those who take on one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. It just seems that nothing is ever truly resolved, which may be the point to the film, but you wish that at least one thread could be tied up and be finished. The last 20 minutes also bring the film down due to the dragging effect and confusing structure of those scenes.

Still, this is definitely one of the best war movies ever, easily beating duds such as Valkyrie and Jarhead. It's just a shame the film's June release in America will most likely mean that The Hurt Locker will miss out on when Oscar Season rolls along. I give the film 4 out of 5.

*Special thanks to ODEON cinemas for their continuing support for my reviews*