Great Film-making

Rating: 10/10 (17 January 2010)

"The Hurt Locker" is a fairly subdued, restrained war film with a brain, which separates it from most films of its genre.
Jeremy Renner leads the cast as James, the new front-man of a bomb squad in Iraq. He takes risks and defies the standard mold, which puts him at odds with "teammates" Sanborn and Eldridge. The plot's spotlight shines on the various missions of these three men; each mission is its own exhilarating set-piece.
Director Bigelow explores James' complex attitudes towards his job through lingering close-ups. She captures the intensity of the situations through a variety of different shots and artistic techniques. The film immerses the audience in the conflict without extensive dialogue.
Jeremy Renner leads the cast with a pitch-perfect performance, and Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty lend invaluable support, along with great bits from veteran actors Guy Pearce, David Morse, and Ralph Fiennes.
There's nothing simple about the characters of situations in "The Hurt Locker," and the film-makers don't try to dumb down the material or take a polarizing stand. The film is a work of art; it entertains and enlightens.