The Hurt Locker (2008) Review | Action Movie Anatomy

Action Movie Anatomy hosts Ben Bateman and Andrew Ghai break down 2008’s The Hurt Locker! Follow the show at @AMAPodcast and the hosts @BenBatemanMedia & @AndrewGhai!

The Hurt Locker is a 2008 American war thriller film about an Iraq War Explosive Ordnance Disposal team who are being targeted by insurgents with booby traps, remote control detonations and ambushes. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow, it stars Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Christian Camargo, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse, and Guy Pearce. The film shows soldiers’ varying psychological reactions to the stress of combat, which though intolerable to some, is addictive to others. The story unfolds after a staff sergeant is killed by an insurgent trap and an apparently calm veteran is brought in to head the squad. His comrades suspect that their new team leader is being driven to take terrifying risks. Writer Mark Boal drew on his experience during embedded access to provide an authentic background for the production, although certain army procedures were portrayed with artistic licence.

The Hurt Locker received widespread critical acclaim and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Bigelow won the award for Best Director; as of 2017, The Hurt Locker is the sole film by a female director to win in either category.