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Saturday, January 5, 2013

MOVIE REVIEW: ZERO DARK THIRTY




Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, the Academy Award-winning duo behind The Hurt Locker, reteam for this drama detailing the hunt for Osama bin Laden, which stars Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain as the intelligence expert who dedicated a decade of her life to tracking down the world's most wanted terrorist. Joel Edgerton, Edgar Ramirez, Mark Strong, Chris Pratt, and James Gandolfini co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Release Date: Dec 19, 2012

Rated R for Strong Violence, Language and Brutal Disturbing Images

Runtime: 2 hr. 37 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Director: Kathryn Bigelow

Cast: Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Edgar Ramirez, Kyle Chandler, Mark Strong

Review:

Zero Dark Thirty is not a jingoistic depiction about the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Kathryn Bigelow takes Mark Boal script and opts for a detached documentary feel. There’s a noticeable neutrality throughout the film. It’s not the type of feel that’s going for a slant or angle; instead it decides to simply unfurl the series of events that occurred even if some are fictionalized. It’s a methodical straightforward film that keeps you engaged as you watch the frustrating and occasionally dangerous machinations of the world’s biggest manhunt. At its center is Jessica Chastain. Chastain gives her character a calculated intensity and steely resolve. She’s fascinating in her singular dedication to her task, so much so that when the task is done you have to wonder how the character would ever find meaning in another task. The supporting characters come and go as the film goes on. Due to the style of the film, we never get very close to any of the characters even the lead. The climatic raid is almost clinical but incredibly tense and powerful. The same can be said about the film as a whole.

A


9 comments:

  1. very clinical indeed, and very intense. but i wish we did get a chance to know the characters. i wish there was more of an emotional impact.

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    1. I feel the same way, it keeps us at arms distance throughout and if it were a lesser movie it'd be a bigger detriment.

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    2. I've been meaning to see this, thanks for the reminder!

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  2. Jessica Chastain continues to impress. I really have to see this.

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    1. If you like your female leads strong and uncomprimising, you should love her performance in this.

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  3. Glad to hear it was good, if a cold, movie-going experience. This film is tops on my must-see list and your review only solidifies the fact I have to see this!

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    Replies
    1. It's about as neutral and detached as it can get but it's an excellent film none the less.

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  4. Good review but I'm not sure if this is something I'll be able to watch.

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