Where we find peace...

Rating: 10/10 (5 March 2010)

I finally saw Kathryn Bigelow's "The Hurt Locker" on DVD. Bigelow's orchestration is masterful. "The Hurt Locker" is gritty, stark, pulse pounding, and tense. Jeremy Renner emerges as a star, delivering a tragic heroic performance. Much like Bigelow's direction and Mark Boal's storytelling, "The Hurt Locker" brands an inspired authenticity and grace. Mark Boal's screenplay probably depicts the first story of the horror and heroism of the Iraqi War on the big screen. Renner plays Specialist William James, who leads an Army bomb disposal team that diffuses IEDs. James is called a "wild man" by gung ho Colonel Reed (always strong and solid David Morse). But there is more to the seemingly fearless or reckless James (Renner). In a poignant arc, James tells nearly shell shocked Eldridge (vulnerable Brian Geraghty), "Everyone's a coward somewhereÂ…"
James replaces beloved deceased Specialist Thompson (charismatic Guy Pearce). James admits to his new team mates Sanborn (powerful Anthony Mackie) and Eldridge (Geraghty) that he can never hope to truly replace Thompson, who was a good man. He is just here to do his job. However, Sanborn and Eldridge soon wonder if maverick James is going to get them all killed, before their tour of duty is over. In a riveting scene, James uncovers a car laced with IEDs in the middle of the street. Presuming that he is totally screwed, he strips off his protective gear to discern the solution. Here Bigelow is so effective in using hand held and close in shots, resulting in a claustrophobic atmosphere. Everything culminates in a suicide bomber, who has a change of heart, with James's prowess in the balance.
The paradox lies not only with the violence and tragedy outside, but also within the characters. Eldridge constantly dreams of his death. Sanborn literally trades blows over James's sanity. Sanborn wonders if they would not better off, if James were dead. Renner balances a cocky heroism with a subdued broken soul in James. Perhaps, James is indeed fearless. But like he told Eldridge that everyone is a coward somewhere; his fear lies perhaps at home. Consequently and ironically, James forms a touching bond with an Iraqi kid Beckham (charming Christopher Sayegh), who sells bootleg DVDs. Tragedy strikes and this trails down the dark path, and insight into James. Here Renner is brilliant. All actions have consequences. In this Bigelow is pitch perfect in her vision, and storytelling. Everyone perhaps forfeits part of their soul in war, and where one finds peace or solace is not necessary what we expect. "The Hurt Locker" is thoughtful, thrilling, and one of the best movies of the year.