The Iraq War Brought Home; Writer of "In the Valley of Elah"
In case anti-war film goers thought that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been forgotten by all filmmakers, don't tell those who are flocking to see Hurt Locker.
The story of Hurt Locker is a simple one. A team of three soldiers is charged with disarming Improvised Explosive Devices [IEDs].
Mark Boal has written another in depth film about war and personal lives. His previous film was probably one of the most impressive and strongest anti-war films about the Iraq war: In the Valley of Elah. Hurt Locker is on that level. This film, much to the surprise of most filmgoers, especially those who make it to a war film, was directed by a woman, Kathryn Bigelow. She did a great job.
In this film, Jeremy Renner plays Staff Sergeant William James the senior person in the disarming of IEDs. He joined Sergeant JT Sandman, played by Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty who played Eldridge. He did so after the previous senior person died in the performance of his duties.
The film was joined by film legend Ralph Finnes and David Morse, giving some celebrity status to attract audiences and producers money. They were very good
But, the ensemble of Renner, Mackie and Geraghty under the tight direction of Bigelow made the film keep your attention for every minute and second. Given the space of Iraq and the breadth of the war in Iraq, Bigelow was able to give an almost claustrophobic experience.
The actors playing the Iraqi roles, each and every one of them, were excellent.
The film was released in October of 2008 in Italy. It was mainly filmed in Jordan and some in Canada.
Bigelow is Californian born but has extensive international film experience.
Don't miss this film and make sure others see it.
