Zero Dark Thirty - 5/5
I'm going to be adding this to my Top Ten 2012 list and most likely my 2013 list.
Ten Years. Two Wars. One Target. Osama Bin Laden.
What a phenomenal film this was. I will say, the wait was worth it. This film is better than 'The Hurt Locker' by a leap year, and it's very powerful. I was amazed at how they were able to cover a whole decade long operation dedicated solely to finding and killing Bin Laden in a 2 hour and 40 minute film. The last 30-45 minutes of the film is easily the best as it's the SEAL Team 6 raid on Bin Laden's compound in Pakistan and from what I've read in books, seen on television, it's 100% accurate. The raid was shot so well too. I really like how we were able to see through some of the SEALs Night Vision POV during this sequence. Very well done.
The whole controversy of the film being pro-torture is despicable. I refuse to share my political views and other governmental views, however when you're interrogating someone who may have information that can lead to the most wanted man alive and torture is the only option, the "No Torture Allowed!" rule just went out the window. It's unfortunate that torture does exist, but in some cases it's the only thing that can work and lead to more information.
Every actor/actress really brought it and shined in the film. For me, Jason Clarke stole the show with his performance and should be nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards. Mark Strong's first scene is fantastic and gripping. Jessica Chastain's character is great, but I just felt she fell flat of capturing it (if that makes sense lol). I really wish they were able to keep their first initial choice, Rooney Mara, because I think she would have done a great job.
I was also surprised at how well Alexandre Desplat's score was. I'll be honest, I hate his scores. I find them generic, boring, and repetitive. I was kind of hesitant and upset he was chosen to score the film. I feel someone like Harry Gregson-Williams or Marco Beltrami would have been a better choice. After listening to some of his score and hearing it in the film, I'm blown away with his score for the film. The score playing on the Stealth Chopper ride to the compound is so hauntingly tense it's brilliant. I would love to see him nominated for Best Original Score at the Academy Awards.
All in all, It was interesting to see a new and fresh war/political/action thriller film that doesn't just take place on the front lines of a battlefield. This film will be remembered and won't be forgotten any time soon.
2012 Top Ten List
1.) Zero Dark Thirty
2.) Looper
3.) Skyfall
4.) Jack Reacher
5.) Seven Psychopaths
6.) Dredd
7.) The Grey
8.) Savages
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