Friday, February 05, 2010

The Hurt Locker

There are so many things to like about The Hurt Locker.

Director Kathryn Bigelow's take on the war drama is smart, the performances are amazing and the story, written by Mark Boal, is compelling. Jeremy Renner deserves his nomination for Best Actor, which was announced last week by the Academy Award Committee.

But I just couldn't enjoy the film.

The fact is, The Hurt Locker is closer to reality than a piece of fiction should be. I don't want Star Wars to seem that real, and I don't want to leave a viewing of Borat believing he is really a racist homophobe who wrestles naked fat men in hotels. While I love me some movies, I want them to serve as an escape, most times.

The Hurt Locker is too close to real for me to enjoy. While that's a testament to how well the movie was made, I'm sad I couldn't enjoy it like I wanted.

4 comments:

All Click said...

I know what you mean about it being "too real". If it helps I read a story about how it is "riddled with inaccuracies".

Despite you not being able to enjoy it, will you support it winning Best Picture?

The Film Geek said...

If it comes down to this and District 9, yeah...

It's very good. Just very real.

Paul said...

I know what you mean about realism. I had the same reaction to Blackhawk Down. It's a really good film but I just couldn't enjoy it.

JDB said...

What All Click said. Depending on who you talk to, it's either wrong in some nitpicky details or its so far off it might as well be science fiction.

Putting that aside, I thought it was really tense and well done.