Movie Review ... Zero Dark Thirty

 

It’s appropriate the hunt for Osama Bin Laden has been turned into a movie.  Often resembling a film script, the search for the world’s most wanted person had the ingredients fuelling many thrillers.  Whether it’s too soon for such an enterprise is left for others to decide although being a compelling tale.  ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ uses its’ nerve-jangling premise to great effect with a true event filled with constant danger brought to stark life.

CIA officer Maya (Jessica Chastain) is given the most challenging assignment of her career.  Tasked with gathering intelligence on the whereabouts of wanted Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, the years following test her resolve.  Aided by fellow recruits Dan (Jason Clarke) and Patrick (Joel Edgerton) amongst others, the team sets out to obtain their target.  Eventually working through the quagmire of information, the seemingly impossible suddenly becomes real as the net slowly closes.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is a daring movie from director Kathryn Bigelow.  Having won awards for her previous film ‘The Hurt Locker’, she had a licence to do whatever she liked.  That she chose such a provocative subject matter speaks volumes on her artistic ambition.  The way she explores her character’s dealings with various Al Qaeda operatives is occasionally uncomfortable but nonetheless fascinating.  The techniques used in obtaining intelligence and the patience needed to catch their prey are well handled.

Whilst the dry manner in which it’s told occasionally dilutes some scenes impact, the story remains consistently gripping.  No one is safe in such a deadly environment and Bigelow ensures the tension is keenly felt.  This is especially apparent in ‘Zero Dark Thirty’s’ final third where the endgame is played with detached precision.  The lack of musical score aids in increasing the pensive atmosphere with the story allowed to speak for itself.

Detailing the many political battles, near misses and tragedy as the search unfolded ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ follows a traditional movie script.  That it all really happened makes it more powerful with its denouncement hopefully providing some closure in a dark chapter of 21^st Century life.

Movie Review Rating out of 10:  7

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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