The Hurt Locker (2008); action drama film review

Poster artwork for the action drama film The Hurt Locker.

War Zone Warriors by Linh

After a successful round of film festival screenings and numerous awards for the film and its cast members, The Hurt Locker received nine Academy Award nominations, winning six of them including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing. The film also earned director Kathryn Bigelow the Academy Award for Best Direction, which was the first time a woman has ever received an Oscar for directing a film. Bigelow also became the first woman to win the Best Director awards at the Critic’s Choice Awards and Director’s Guild Awards ceremonies.

ENCIRCLED: Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner) discovers a cluster of connected bombs waiting to detonate in the film The Hurt Locker. Image: Summit Entertainment, Voltage Pictures.

The Hurt Locker received rave reviews and initially screened on a limited release in the US, until it managed to slowly gain audience support and critics’ attention. The film is based on journalist Mark Boal's real experiences when he was embedded with US soldiers during the War in Iraq, and tells of the final thirty nine days of a mission for three members of the Army's elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad stationed in Baghdad. The trio must attempt to defuse all bombs as they battle insurgents, suicide bombers and snipers to protect themselves and the civilians of Baghdad.

SNIPER SIGHTING: Sergeant James Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner) prepare to target snipers in the film The Hurt Locker. Image: Summit Entertainment, Voltage Pictures.

The Hurt Locker is definitely packed with heart-stopping and awe-filled intensity, as viewers become so engaged with the action and grow concerned for the characters that it seems more like watching live-to-air news footage or a documentary than a film.

Portions of the film were shot using hand-held cameras to particularly capture the drama and unpredictability of defusing bombs, with occasional fleeting shots of everyday Iraqis watching from all vantage points throughout the film.

WARTIME ALLIES: Contract Team Leader (Ralph Fiennes) joins the bomb squad on the defensive against the snipers in the film The Hurt Locker. Image: Summit Entertainment, Voltage Pictures.

The performances from the lesser known lead actors are outstanding and cameo appearances from recognisable faces such as Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, David Morse and Evangeline Lilly provide added (emotional and physical) pressure to the dangerous task of bomb disposal. The close connections and trust among the characters are crucial in achieving their task but a rebellious newcomer such as Staff Sergeant William James instantly shakes up the entire squad. 

CARE AND CONCENTRATION: Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner) takes great care to cut the wire in the film The Hurt Locker. Image: Summit Entertainment, Voltage Pictures.

Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner is excellent as the wild Staff Sergeant William James who is brought in to replace the deceased Staff Sergeant Matt Thompson (played by Australian actor Guy Pearce).  His unconventional and fearless recklessness puts his own life and the lives of his colleagues in danger, but his mind is always focussed on the job and he is protective of the local street urchins.

Anthony Mackie’s portrayal as Sergeant James Sanborn is intense and controlled as he demands protocol and co-operation from Staff Sergeant William James. Underneath the tough exterior lies fragility and vulnerability and James Sanborn is visibly affected by the death and destruction that comes with his job.

Brian Geraghty plays Specialist Owen Eldridge and he is mainly off the bomb field but his keen eye for spotting potential threats to the bomb squad’s safety while disarming bombs makes him a vital member of the team.

Director Kathryn Bigelow ensured realism and timeliness was achieved by filming as close to the real life action as possible. The film crew attempted to get into Iraq but their safety was not guaranteed, so they ended up filming in the much safer grounds of Jordan.

Cinematographer Barry Ackroyd has captured the beauty of the location from sweeping images of the desert regions to the authentic architecture along the streets.

RELIEVED: Staff Sergeant Willliam James (Jeremy Renner) relaxes after an intense defusing session while Sergeant Sanborn grows increasingly concerned for the team's safety in the film The Hurt Locker. Image: Summit Entertainment, Voltage Pictures.

The Hurt Locker is one of the best independent releases concerning the topic of War In Iraq, and gives an insight into the dangers faced by the soldiers and army personnel stationed in a war-torn Middle Eastern country.

FAMILY MAN: Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner) misses his partner Connie (Evangeline Lilly) and his baby son in the film The Hurt Locker. Image: Summit Entertainment, Voltage Pictures.

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Writer: Mark Boal (screenplay)    

        

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, Guy Pearce, David Morse, Evangeline Lilly, Christopher Sayegh, Nabil Koni, Nibras Quassem, Suhail Aldabbach , Christian Camargo

        

Producers: Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Greg Shapiro, Nicolas Chartier, Tony Mark, Donall McCusker, Jenn Lee, Jack Schuster

Original Music Composers: Marco Beltrami, Buck Sanders          

Cinematographer: Barry Ackroyd               

Film Editors: Chris Innis, Bob Murawski        

Production: Karl Juliusson (Production Designer), David Bryan (Art Director), Amin Charif El Masri (Set Decorator)

Costume Designer: George L. Little

        

Running Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes