A Modern Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10 (26 January 2012)

Kathryn Bigelow has made few movies in her time, some none may have heard of, others some consider a classic. And now, Bigelow returns with her latest film that is simply a masterpiece. The Hurt Locker won the Best Picture Oscar over Avatar, and rightly so. Bigelows approach to the film is original and fantastic and her visual style is the perfect taste for this kind of movie. The first scene literally throws us straight into the middle of the action, and gives us edge of seat action and shocks. And it doesn't stop there. Bigelow has small but important transitions from scene to scene and they work perfectly, giving us a relaxed moment before literally sending the viewer out on their next mission. Bigelow also creates a layout to the film that really sends a viewer through state of emotions, with her beginning the film with sad yet tense occasion. But, we are then introduced to Staff Seargent William James, a character who at first we seem to discover to be a light hearted almost rebellious kind of character, settings mood for the upcoming scene. As we go into our next scene, we see James' almost jokey kind of attitude to the situation, but, does not make it so we are sitting at the screen with a smile on out face, a mood where we feel the tension yet feel the fact that James' attitude is surprising for the situation. But as the films progress, so does James' and slowly he becomes darker and the film follows close behind. With us suddenly facing death and gruesome images, and the anger of James character that flourishes with film, as if they are strongly linked. Jeremy Renner plays Seargent James in The Hurt Locker, and gives a standout performance. As mentioned his character goes through many waves of emotions and different attitudes, and we feel as if Renner himself is not an actor but a devoted soldier who will stop at no cost to find answers and complete his mission. And this is where Renner shines, for as the film begins his character seems to be different but not stand out, but as the films continues if becomes so complex and detailed we cant full comprehend and Renner takes that mantle perfectly, acting as if her is the only one that knows the emotions. Bigelow also makes this movie perfect with her style, with her introduction showing and exploding bomb in slow motion, working superbly, for it gives a future incline to what is going to occur and be the main theme of the movie.Bigelow also uses her camera style perfectly for the film, making it not perfect and constantly still as if watching a scene. She makes sure the camera shakes and rattles as the bullets fly and the feet pound along the ground, making us feel as if we are there in the scene, not sitting in a cinema watching. The sound that echo through the streets, and the silence of a deserted but sinister town not only set a mood but again makes us feel nervous as if we are a soldier walking through the street. Sp, to conclude, Kathryn Bigelow has created a perfect film, with all ingredients included and more, she gives us the finest film in many years which literally ticks all the boxes, unlike many films today, yet makes The Hurt Locker, exciting and thrilling and a movie anyone can watch. Kathryn Bigelow is the first and only female to win a directing Oscar, not only is she one of the most worthy winners in history, I am sure she will have many more to come.