"The Hurt Locker"

[dave8983]

Who has seen "The Hurt Locker"? What did you think?

I thought the movie was good overall, but I didn't think the characters were developed very well. I may elaborate on that a little more some other time, if this thread gets some replies going.

[Antares]

Same. I don't know if it's just me, but even after the movie had ended, it just doesn't feel like I know the characters personally. It was suspenseful and captured the reality of war well, and I really liked how there's a movie that reminds me of COD, but that's beside the point :P

[boldbidder]

Really? I thought by the end there was plenty of insight into the characters, especially the main protagonist. His monologue at the foot of his infant son told you all you needed know about him, to further hammer it home did you see his expression through his mask right before the credits rolled? What sort of detail were you looking for that you felt like was lacking or are you more referring to the some of the supporting characters?

[visitor]

I love this film. Very well-made and accurate. I felt engaged by Jeremy Renner's role.

[dave8983]

Really? I thought by the end there was plenty of insight into the characters, especially the main protagonist. His monologue at the foot of his infant son told you all you needed know about him, to further hammer it home did you see his expression through his mask right before the credits rolled? What sort of detail were you looking for that you felt like was lacking or are you more referring to the some of the supporting characters?


Yeah, they all have their say toward the end, but overall they felt like stereotypes to me. I did like the dialogue with the son, the dialogue about wanting to have a son, and the dialogue about "getting the adrenaline rush".

The ending is fine. They're trying to say that "war is a drug" and Jeremy Renner is an addict. I get it. They gave him some emotional scenes (i.e. thinking that the boy was dead, trying to get the locks off of the bomb vest, etc.) I think I understood the characters, but like I said, I considered them to be stereotypes. One is reckless, one is reserved, and the other is impressionable. Until they all have their "final say" toward the end...that's all I got out of the characters. They didn't really seem "real" to me, and the main problem I have with that is that the film was trying to give the impression that it is more "realistic" than most movies. Having not served in the military myself I cannot judge it on those grounds in terms of the action itself, but I still think that the characters could have been developed better.

Don't get me wrong though. I still liked the movie.

[JeS]

Its a good solid drama, but I thought it was a little overhyped by critics though. Hollywood ought to be able to do movies like this pretty regularly. My favorite scene would probably be the one with the car at the UN.

I agree that the characters could have been fleshed out a little better but there are some good scenes. The pacing got on my nerves at times also.

[Causa Mortis]

Really? I thought by the end there was plenty of insight into the characters, especially the main protagonist. His monologue at the foot of his infant son told you all you needed know about him, to further hammer it home did you see his expression through his mask right before the credits rolled? What sort of detail were you looking for that you felt like was lacking or are you more referring to the some of the supporting characters?

Right. I thought he was really well developed.

The movie was well made but not that compelling for me. It never really passed the "so what" test in my book.

[dogwoodlover]

Solid film. I liked, a lot.

I feel like I'd need to watch it again before I could level any criticisms, I only saw it once like 6 months ago.

[Four]

I thought it was decent.

[visitor]

It wasn't made by Hollywood, that's why it received such recognition. The film was funded by independent investors. It was more realistic than other war films, because the writer spent time in Iraq as a reporter. They also filmed in Jordan, at times were only 3 miles from the Iraqi border. Those weren't extras, those were real locals. The explosions and special effects were real.

The characters probably seemed too cliche, because those weren't based on any real people. I enjoyed the cameos, but I wish there was more dialogue. Maybe that would have made the audience feel more compelled by the characters, but would've taken away from the ambiance. These guys were doing dangerous jobs which seems exciting to outsiders, but to me being in the military in Iraqi would be depressing. I give a hell yeah to the director for not making this war film an action flick. I don't need constant blowing up and gun fights to keep my attention.


I don't think The Hurt Locker will win for Best Original Screenplay. That should go to Inglourious Basterds. I do think The Hurt Locker deserves an award for Best Director.