Jack Allen
Opinion Editor
Kathryn Bigalow made cinamatic history when she became the first female director to receive the Academy Award for Best Director with the gripping 2008 film “The Hurt Locker.” Her newest film, “Zero Dark Thirty,” follows the decade-long search for Osama Bin Laden.
“Zero Dark Thirty” displays Kathryn Bigelow’s growth as a director, seamlessly combining authentic action scenes with a smart and impressive script. “Zero Dark Thirty’s” phenomenal portrayal of the Bin Laden manhunt is an impressive effort driven by its cast and its intense plot.
“Zero Dark Thirty” follows CIA operative Maya (Jessica Chastain) as she is constantly faced with terrifying and deadly situations while searching for Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden.
Maya struggles to find proof of Bin Laden. After many months of collaborating with the SEAL Team 6 led by Patrick (Joel Edgerton) and Justin (Chris Pratt), she begins to execute the process of catching the world’s most renowned terrorist.
One aspect to the film’s success was the cast’s ability to become and develop every character at an extraordinary level. Dan (Jason Clarke) simultaneosly portrays a CIA agent but also shows the depth and emotional complexity of an experienced actor.
Clark’s extraordinary performance is a coming-out party for the relatively unknown actor. His ability to play this complicated role shows his versital and passionate acting ability needed for a successful career.
Chastain’s performance is above and beyond the best of the film. Her character is a paragon of the hard-nosed female intelligence officer that has become a recent trend (Claire Daines in Showtime’s “Homeland”). Chastain provides an opportunity for the audience to understand the stress and pressure it requires to serve in the CIA.
The dramatic, fast pacing of the movie suits the story exactly and adds to the movie’s overall success. As opposed to blood and gore, “Zero Dark Thirty” utilizes realistic military procedure, especially in regards to entering procedure and “clearing.” This creates the sense of authenticity and suspense. For example, rather than celebrating over the death of Bin Laden, the SEAL Team 6 finishes its goal as it would in a real life situation by organizing its recovered intel. This scene perfectly proves “Zero Dark Thirty’s” ability to portray an authentic and emotional storyline.
Along with the amazing directing and cast performance, creative efforts in cinematography such as dark settings, like the interrogation room which adds to the suspense, and riveting hand-held action scenes which support the film’s exciting plot. The movie relies on its visual aspects just as much as it does its unique chaotic sound sequences to contribute to the film’s gritty realism.
During the action sequences, “Zero Dark Thirty” makes viewers see and feel like a Navy SEAL. Bigelow’s use of first-person angles and total visual darkness where only the sound of boots can be heard bring an aspect of terrifying realism to the film. Because of this, along with the green coloring of night-vision goggles, “Zero Dark Thirty” is a gritty take on the attack that killed Osama Bin Laden.
“Zero Dark Thirty” impresses audiences with its valiant achievements and characterization that touches on every necessary aspect of the search. The details and emotion portrayed through cinematography and sound propels a basic storyline toward future cinematic fame.
“Zero Dark Thirty” is playing in limited release and opened nationwide on Wednesday.
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