Zero Dark Thirty (2012)

Rating: 8/10 (4 April 2013)

Following the tragic events of 9/11, the US government bring in young CIA operative Maya (Chastain) to spearhead their mission to track down Osama Bin Laden and kill him. For the next decade, Maya spends her whole time dedicated to finding this man but faces up to various challenges along the way including intimidation from her male superiors (Chandler and Strong), handling the rough tactics used during intense interrogations with terrorist subjects and her scrap with the odd few bomb attacks. But despite being ridiculed for her obsessive search, she vows to get her man as the hunt becomes more decisive ultimately leading to the crucial discovery of Bin-Laden's secret hideout which gives the Americans the chance to finally close in on their target.
Right from the outset, Bigelow makes it her intent to depict the uncomfortable setting of this film when it opens with a black screen in which we hear phone calls made by frantic and terrified sufferers of 9/11. Though it is chilling, it builds up the tone of the film which becomes more unsettling in the next scene as the Dan character uses methods of torture to interrogate a scared delegate who is linked to key terrorists involved in the event. Controversy has overshadowed the film's reputation especially with its focus on torture which has led to harsh criticisms. The scene itself isn't necessarily shocking to watch and gives a clear message that perhaps the US were right to use such tactics in order to gain crucial information that would help them with this important mission. From then on, Bigelow and Boal are able to craft together a compelling story that captures the stressful period that these American officials went through as the long search provided many high and low points. Having Jessica Chastain's character Maya be the focal point of the film proves a key decision as the situation clearly affects her during these ten years. Chastain's rise from unknown actress a couple of years ago to Hollywood royalty almost mirrors Maya's own character development as we initially see her acting squeamish during the opening torture scenes. However once she encounters a few problems over the next few years, her determination to land Bin Laden becomes borderline obsessive and makes for a fascinating watch. While some critics have complained about the lack of back-story to the character, it is important to show that this woman never gives up in her pursuit of the terrorist and that she is able to stand her ground even when being criticised. But once we get to the final scene of the film, the psychological strain that Maya has gone through is illustrated with emotional intent as she reflects on finally completing her task but tearfully realising that the hunger is now gone and that she must lead a normal life. It proves that Chastain's unquestionable talent as the best actress in Hollywood is something to marvel at as she pounces on her first leading role and makes it a powerhouse of a performance that relies on grounded subtly and minimal showiness. But this doesn't mean that the supporting cast are overshadowed as a host of under appreciated actors get their chance to contribute with Jason Clarke standing out amongst them with his gripping role as the forceful interrogator Dan who dominates the earlier scenes with his torturous tactics. Other recognisable names like Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong and James Gandolfini lend fierce authority to their brief appearances while Jennifer Ehle gives Chastain a bit of female support as her fellow colleague Jessica who gets caught up in a couple of the film's more dramatic scenes. Ultimately when we get to the film's thrilling final half-hour, it is obvious what will happen as Bigelow handles the sequence with nervy precision as the Navy SEALs patiently prepare to raid Bin-Laden's hideout. Having done an effective job with the action scenes in her last film The Hurt Locker, Bigelow carefully adds striking moments to build up the tension of the attack from the amount of doors the team has to get through before coolly taking down servants of the target in order to complete their mission.
What does limit the film is the lack of focus on other characters aside from Maya. Though you have a group of effortless actors playing these roles, most of them don't get given enough time to really make an impact outside of Jason Clarke's character. We don't really learn more about them (though you could argue the same about Maya even if she is the primary lead) as the likes of Chandler and Strong spend most of their time hurling abuse and are occasionally presented as incompetent and one-dimensional. Audiences will also have to deal with the film's lengthy running time of 160 mins which may bore them especially as its more of a talking film than an actual blockbuster.
Kathryn Bigelow's intimate and masterful take on the hunt for Bin-Laden refuses to be dragged down by controversy in this fascinating drama which is driven forward by an astonishing performance from the very gifted Jessica Chastain. All hail Maya!