The Greatest Man hunt in History

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2013)

"I'm not your friend. I'm not gonna help you. I'm gonna break you."
Zero Dark Thirty is one of the best directed films of this year. Kathryn Bigelow managed to orchestrate a film that transcends it's own cultural relevance delving deeper into the true depravity of human nature. Bigelow shows the extent American citizens went to capture Osama Bin Laden and the pathos of each individual who had to give up their lives, families, and even morals to capture an immoral man.
Jason Clarke (lawless, 2011) plays Dan, a CIA employee, PHD recipient, and ruthless interrogator. Clarke opens the film truly frightening, "When you lie to me I hurt you." He says every line in this film with such conviction that you cannot help but feel unnerved by his presence. This in not to say Clarke does not draw sympathy, he later becomes the perfect foil and at some points mirror image of Maya (Jessica Chastain). Clarke really surprised me in this film by showing his range as an actor, his ability to draw many different emotions from a complex character who could have been played off as a solider of fortune rather than a patriotic man who has reached him limits.
Jessica Chastian once again shows her range in this film as Maya, a CIA researcher compelled to find Osama Bin Laden. The obsession and dedication present in a man hunt is executed perfectly by Chastain, who really understands the depravity present in the ever changing character. Chastain is able to show the strength and innocence both present in Maya, and how these two characteristics juxtapose each other truly reflecting realistic person; who struggles to maintain herself in extreme circumstances.
One thing this film really shows is the idea that in order to understand a character you must first understand the historical influence which effects them. This film perfectly crafts the loss of morals required in a man hunt against an immoral man. As each character struggles to maintain a standard. that same feeling is present in everyday life. To witness horrors and vow to never be a part of them, only to be the facilitator the next minute. Zero Dark Thirty shows the capability in humans for evil.
The set design was fantastic in this film. They were able to perfectly re-create Osama Bin Laden's safe house. Also the helicopters and mission sequence felt very authentic through the use use of appropriate steady cam (unlike The Hunger Games) and the use of night vision.
The pace of the film is excellent, with a balance of suspense from a thriller and knowledge from a documentary. Bigelow manages to make the film seem less overwhelming by balancing the names, dates, facts, and information with human pathos. the 25 minute mission sequence is a bit lagging as I found myself waiting for emotional reward. This also shows the power of Bigelow's directing, even though I knew the conclusion I still felt an overwhelming suspense for the unknown.
Zero Dark Thirty is one of the most emotionally resonant films of the year, but also one of the best. Check it out while it's in theatres.