I don’t really have a lot to add to what I’ve already said about The Hurt Locker, but there are two scenes I’d like to comment on…
First, the opening; The movie is pretty intense from beginning to end, and it helps that it starts with one of the most edge-of-your seat scenes in recent film history. I’m not gonna spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it, but it belongs up there with the opening scenes from Saving Private Ryan and Cliffhanger as one of the best. My opinion of course.
Second, the scene in the grocery store; At first it’s really disjointing, going from the streets of Iraq to an American supermarket, but I think that’s the point. When James is sent to go get cereal for his family he stands there staring at the ridiculous amount of choices available and begrudgingly takes one. The scene comes right at the end of the film and leads into him recounting the story of a bombing in Iraq to his wife and then a telling conversation with his baby son. It also plays perfectly into the very end of the film. Again, I won’t give it away for anyone who hasn’t seen it.
The cinematography on the whole is astounding, as is the editing. Well, everything about this movie is near-perfect. The few interviews I’ve heard/read with the cast and crew don’t paint a pretty shooting scenario, which just furthers the thought that the greatest art is usually the most painful to create.
I know, not much, like I said, but I really think the less you know about this movie going into it the better. It’s just such an amazing film and it’s going to be a damn shame if it doesn’t take home Best Picture gold this year.
