THE HURT LOCKER

Narrative
Throughout the film, the narrative is generally chronological. The idea of threat is a prominent theme, as is the idea that it is unknown and shadowy. The film is centred on the last 40 days of Bravo Company’s rotation through Iraq. The company are introduced as SGT JT Sanborn, Specialist Owen Eldridge and Staff SGT Matt Thompson (a cameo role played by Guy Pearce) as they are trying to diffuse a bomb in the middle of an Iraqi street. The small robot that they try and use is faulty, and a wheel falls off as it travels to safely detonate the bomb. This is an implicit comment to show how badly funded the U.S. army are. Staff SGT Matt Thompson dons ‘The Suit’, a bomb disposal suit designed to be used after ‘The Bot’ has identified the bomb size, type etc. Guy Pearce’s character (Thompson) dies in the suit, as he cannot outrun the explosion in the heavy gear. Soon after Thompson’s death, the team are introduced to SGT William James, a reckless and unorthodox bomb disposer; a thrill seeker. At first, there is tension between the three characters as, Sanborn and Eldridge fear James’ recklessness is endangering them, and they even consider killing him ‘accidentally’. However, as the group bond more confidentially throughout operations, they become closer and stronger as a unit. As the company’s rotation draws to a close, James seeks one last thrill to punish a group of terrorists responsible for the death of a young Iraqi boy that he was familiar with, nicknamed Beckham. Unfortunately, Eldridge is injured in friendly fire and must be withdrawn from Iraq. Sanborn and James then face an innocent civilian man who has been armed with explosives by a group of terrorists. The bombs are strapped to him and secured by many bolts and padlocks; they are unable to save him. Bravo Company’s rotation finishes and James returns home to face the tediousness of civilian life; picking out cereal and cleaning gutters. It is clear that he is unfulfilled, and seeks thrills that he cannot achieve as a civilian. The film ends with James’ return to Iraq, now in Delta Company, with 365 days left of their rotation.

Genre

Individual Interpretations and Position

Micro Elements
When faced with diffusing a bomb, the team are usually in an open area surrounded by high buildings with balconies and windows; this creates a sense of vulnerability within the film, allowing the audience to be on edge constantly, demonstrating the realism of the film.

Emotional Response