This movie is not really about catching the bomb makers; it is about making sure the bombs don't go off as well as constantly seeking the rush that the job provides. Everything ties into the quote that is used to open the film: "War is a drug." James is always looking to get that next fix. He needs to be on that line, you need him on that line... sorry, wrong movie. Still, it seems rather fitting as we watch James go through the motions, risking life and limb to not only do the job, but get back to that high again.
It is fascinating watching these men go about their business. The tension that is built up is quite palpable, literally putting me on the edge of my seat. What makes this film great is not only the way it puts you on the street with these soldiers, it is the soldiers themselves, how the characters are written and how they are performed.
The characters are written in a very internalized fashion. You need to pay attention to really get the full effect of these characters as they do not verbalize everything. They are written as people, not plot points, and it works out beautifully.
Jeremy Renner is a recognizable face that can't always be placed but this movie will put him on the map. It is an incredible performance; he carries so much behind his eyes in this role. William James is a man who knows his job, knows he is the best at it, and he knows this is where he belongs. He needs to be where the action is, but it comes at a price; it is something he will have to live with as long as he is on the job.
Bottom line. The Hurt Locker is a movie that needs to be seen. It is a first rate movie that delivers on emotional and technical levels. It is thrilling as we watch the bombs being defused, watching James search for answers, watching the difficulty with which the answers come, or don't come.
Highly Recommended.
Article comments
1 - The Crow
I liked the actors and the premise, but this was half a movie for me. There was almost no plot or character development to speak of.