In an attempt to rectify my shocking lack of Oscar 2010 knowledge I began with the simplest movie to watch. The one that was On Demand. I expected that I would probably like or at least be interested in The Hurt Locker, a film about an EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) unit based in Iraq. One of the most interesting trivia about the film is that it was directed by a woman, Kathryn Bigelow, who by the way, is the first woman ever to win for Best Director. yay! (And about time).
This isn't the sort of film you'd expect to be directed by a woman, because it's a guy's kind of movie- war, exploding bombs, lots of testosterone slamming in the air. But I have to say, I was absolutely riveted from the first second. The story takes off when a new Sargent (played by Jeremy Renner) comes to the 3 man squad. He's the sort of brash, dangerous, risk-taking protagonist who on the surface seems doomed to bring the squad down. But he's a complex character and I really grew to root for him, even when he did stupid things. There are cameos in the film by Guy Pearce, Evangeline Lilly and Ralph Fiennes. It's gritty and makes no pretense that war is anything but dirty business.
One of the "fun" things about watching this movie was of course, Mike Geraci. His sideline commentary, I have to say, in this case, actually added to the film's experience. I'm always amazed at the stuff he comes up with. Although I have to say it's a little scary to realize just how much your husband really knows about explosives.
3 comments:
I have a love/hate relationship with war movies. I never want to watch them, but when I do, I almost invariably am wrecked by/adore them. Looks like I better stick this one in my Netflix queue...
I have a hard time with war movies too. Not sure if I'll be able to see this one but if you and Louisa can do it . . .
I'm so very happy that Kathryn Bigelow got an Oscar. I'm proud as well that she was recognized by the Directors Guild of America (because I'm a member). She won the award for best direction of a feature film--also the first time a woman was received that award. It's always been a strong prognosticator for the Oscar award.
I do find it interesting that she broke through that wall directing a film that would normally fall under the purview of a male director. Women have been largely relegated to comedies and chick flicks. Good to see the work being spread around.
I too have a hard time with war movies. And I'll be honest, this one is hard to watch (one scene in particular). The film starts out with a quote that ends "war is a drug." Sad, but true. Still worth watching though!
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