The most confused ‘anti-war’ film of the 21st Century
Personally, war films have never piqued my interest. I’ve always been one for out of this world adventures, with enemies not of our own kind. Yet when Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker was recommended to me, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give it a go. The reaction was of confusion and distaste; a reaction that must be shared.
The film’s narrative follows a bomb disposal team in Iraq, focusing on the daily challenges the team are faced with. There’s Sgt J T Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) who, still reeling from the death of his former bomb tech, clashes with the highly-strung Sgt William James (Jeremy Renner) constantly creating tension in an already strained environment. Completing the trio is anxious Owen Eldridge (Brian Geraghty) who’s desperate to finish his rotation. As characters and plot go, it appears to be a well fleshed out creation, winning the thoughts of critics and appearing to leave viewers enlightened and emotional. So, why was my viewing so infuriating?
It’s the introduction of the new sergeant that starts a downwards spiral of frustration. Sgt William James is reckless and aggressive. He’s sent in to take over as the new EOD tech (a bomb diffuser), but disappointingly, he’s a selfish loner who lives for danger. His lack of leadership throughout disregards the amount of precision, skillfulness and technicality that real-life soldiers must be equipped with to survive. Any fear for the soldier’s wellbeing is wiped as Bigelow characterises her protagonist as some sort of badass with a death wish. The rare moments of human emotion come from his teammates, who more accurately reflect the mental torment war has upon the human psyche. Yet the moments are fleeting, with each tragedy promptly forgot about by the next scene. We never see any character arcs and lose any faith in a profession so admired within our own armed forces.
I cannot say that Bigelow doesn’t have her moments of poignancy, especially in her setting. However, her conflicted and unlikeable protagonist fails to make this the war film of the century many claim it to be. I feel that for some spectators, particularly those who have experienced war first hand, Bigelow’s creation will be insulting and painful. I came away feeling uncomfortable; is this really what Bigelow feels soldiers are like? Thus, The Hurt Locker becomes my first and last viewing of a war film, period.
