The Hurt Locker might be the best film on the Iraq war, but on the subject matter it has been beaten by TV. And it pains me to say that. Throughout watching this great film, I couldn't help compare it with HBO's Generation Kill. The Hurt Locker comes off looking like a poor imitation. Kathryn Bigelow's camera zooms in and out way to much, desperate it seems to emulate the documentary style of HBO's mini series. Content wise, its not as modern or as realistic in its portrayal of soldiers as Generation Kill. There are a couple of moments in the film that I found hard to believe. In Generation Kill its the familiar story of officers leading the troops to their unnecessary deaths. In The Hurt Locker, its the other way around. What I found revelatory about Generation Kill was that the soldiers had no qualms about killing (as long as it was a legitimate target). They were depressed when they didn't have a chance to kill. The Hurt Locker almost makes a similar point with the main character, but it just doesn't have the same impact. I'll stop with the comparisons now, its becoming unfair.
Despite the documentary style and art house release, Bigelow's film betrays its modern sensibilities with some predictable, cliche, scenes. Such as the obligatory shower scene where the character wears all their clothes to reveal their inner turmoil. (re. Casino Royale). Or leaving a room just to hear someone call on you and ask a character revealing question.
What the film lacks in originality, it makes up for with its energy, quickness, and surprisingly, humour. Its a good film, and a great film if you haven't seen Generation Kill.
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