The Hurt Locker

[IAmNietzche]

While it seems that Watchmen, Avatar and Public Enemies seem to top most people's most anticipated lists for 2009 (with The Road and Inglorious Bastards also being popular choices), I'd like to throw The Hurt Locker in as a possible darkhorse for Best Picture. The cast of Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Guy Pearce Ralph Fiennes and David Morse is fantastic (Renner is criminally underrated; see Dahmer for proof) and it has been getting absolutely rave reviews at the few festivals where it's been released (10 minute standing ovation and the SIGNIS grand prize at the Venice Film Festival).

Synopsis: In Iraq, an elite Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is forced to play a dangerous game of cat and mouse in the chaos of war in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. Jeremy Renner plays the leader of the EOD team, as he contends with not only defusing bombs in the backdrop of a war but also the psychological and emotional strain that it inflicts.

Keep this film in the back of your mind until it starts getting it's much deserved publicity later this year.

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/the-hurt-locker/international-trailer

From TIME magazine:
"The Hurt Locker is a near-perfect movie about men in war, men at work. Through sturdy imagery and violent action, it says that even Hell needs heroes."

http://www.mcnblogs.com/mcindie/archives/images/TeasingBigelow_5678.JPG

[fluke182]

While it seems that Watchmen, Avatar and Public Enemies seem to top most people's most anticipated lists for 2009 (with The Road and Inglorious Bastards also being popular choices), I'd like to throw The Hurt Locker in as a possible darkhorse for Best Picture. The cast of Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Guy Pearce Ralph Fiennes and David Morse is fantastic (Renner is criminally underrated; see Dahmer for proof) and it has been getting absolutely rave reviews at the few festivals where it's been released (10 minute standing ovation and the SIGNIS grand prize at the Venice Film Festival).

Synopsis: In Iraq, an elite Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit is forced to play a dangerous game of cat and mouse in the chaos of war in a city where everyone is a potential enemy and every object could be a deadly bomb. Jeremy Renner plays the leader of the EOD team, as he contends with not only defusing bombs in the backdrop of a war but also the psychological and emotional strain that it inflicts.

Keep this film in the back of your mind until it starts getting it's much deserved publicity later this year.

http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/the-hurt-locker/international-trailer

From TIME magazine:


http://www.mcnblogs.com/mcindie/archives/images/TeasingBigelow_5678.JPG
This is the first I'd heard about this, but based off the cast and the plot breakdown, count me in as excited. Jeremy Renner is perpetually underrated. He's a great actor who does great work in middling movies. He needs something like this to get recognized as an actor of note.

He loves playing soldier types though. Watch the typecasting Jeremy!

[IAmNietzche]

This is the first I'd heard about this, but based off the cast and the plot breakdown, count me in as excited. Jeremy Renner is perpetually underrated. He's a great actor who does great work in middling movies. He needs something like this to get recognized as an actor of note.

He loves playing soldier types though. Watch the typecasting Jeremy!
If you haven't seen Dahmer check it out. It isn't a great film but Jeremy is absolutely scary in it.

[marrost]

Anything that Guy Pearce does is always on my radar haha.

[a speedo model]

Been looking forward to this, looks fantatic.

[Ailite]

I've been hearing about this for awhile, I'm really looking forward to it.

Also, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS FOR BEST PICTURE 2009!

[Chemical Love]

This movie is fucking awesome. I absolutely loved it. Every one needs to check it out.

[BryterJonah]

Is this reminiscent of The Deer Hunter by any chance?

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Saw the previews for it and I'm pumped.

[HangsLikeHeaven]

This movie is fucking awesome. I absolutely loved it. Every one needs to check it out.

how?

[BryterJonah]

I didn't think it was pro-enlist until that final sequence with the cheese generic heavy rock music before the credits. Seemed like it belonged in an Army Strong commercial.

Other than that, astounding in every single way.

[Sventhegreat]

Is this reminiscent of The Deer Hunter by any chance?

I didn't really care for that movie.

[Mitch]

Holy shit.

[gilatron5000]

I heard about this movie a few weeks ago. It looks really good. Color me excited.

[Gaugzilla]

Movie's not playing around here, but leaked onto the Internets. Absolutely fantastic movie. Must see.

[CstSnow]

Im pretty stoked it starts at the little art theatre around here on friday, have been looking forward to this with all the acclaim it's been getting.

[pshh]

reallly goood

[Mitch]

The scene with the bomb-strapped guy at the end was fucking crazy...

[secretsociety92]

I can't wait to this, looks intense and if those explosions can look great on a small screen I can't wait to see it in the cinema.

[Bob Payne]

just finished this. loved it.

I can't wait to this, looks intense and if those explosions can look great on a small screen I can't wait to see it in the cinema.

Not what the movie's about at all.

[a speedo model]

Will be watching this tonight, hopefully.

[KommunistPanda]

Yeah, im fucking stoked for this movie, my dad is local EOD.. so it's extra exciting for him. :)

[SmokieB.High]

I've seen a couple clips on the internet and they all look great...but i gotta find where and when its playing first

[HangsLikeHeaven]

Watching this tonight, ridiculously excited.

[tait]

The scene with the bomb-strapped guy at the end was fucking crazy...
indeed, such an awesome movie.

[jbaseball44]

Just watched fantastic.

[thesafeword]

This looks really good.

[mrzippo3]

My opinion differs greatly from most. I was so bored with this movie. No plot. The trailer made it look awesome. My sweet Evangaline Lily only got about 1 minute of screen time too :(

[Thomas Balkcom]

I really need to see this

[Protested Hero]

I'm halfway through it right now, great so far.

[IAmNietzche]

The best movie so far this year and it's not even close.

[jbaseball44]

The best movie so far this year and it's not even close.
Agreed, it was fantastic.

[IAmNietzche]

Agreed, it was fantastic.
The direction was absolutely fantastic. It must be so difficult to take that subject matter and be so restrained with it. By taking it at such a micro level as opposed to a macro level, she was able to ratchet up the tension 10 fold. If anything, she deserves a Best Director nod.

[jbaseball44]

The direction was absolutely fantastic. It must be so difficult to take that subject matter and be so restrained with it. By taking it at such a micro level as opposed to a macro level, she was able to ratchet up the tension 10 fold. If anything, she deserves a Best Director nod.
Definitely deserves a nomination, who knows she could end up being the first woman to win the award, i guess that is hard to tell since we still have many months of movies left.

[spriltsc]

The best movie so far this year and it's not even close.
this movie feels like it will be a best picture contender.

[xmicandmoshpitx]

i really wish this movie was playing anywhere near where i live

[Protested Hero]

That was awesome. I loved how having things on such a small, personal level made it seem so much more real and intense.

[funkel]

Excellent film. It took me a couple days to truly digest it, but after some time, I agree with best film of 2009 thus far.

While I could go on about all the great things, couple things that annoyed me:
- When will the trend of shaky steadicam footage die? I don't get motion sickness from it, I just find it thoroughly annoying. I can see the merit in it sometimes, but filmmakers have become obsessed with this in the past couple years, and it drives me crazy.
- This isn't really a flaw, but I'll say it anyway. This type of story has been done so many times before. The "wild man" does his own thing and is crazy, says things that the audience laugh, etc., while there's the by-the-book veteran and the nervous rookie. I mean, the formula works, and this definitely gave it an interesting spin, but still, somewhat annoying.

[brentkid]

I'm dying to see this movie.

[SmokieB.High]

Just saw the movie last night... destined to be one of the all time great action/war movies of all time. The character development of William is outstanding. Each scene was it's own and added to the story instead of being part of the story; kind of like putting together a puzzle and in the end you get your payoff. Adding to each scene was the fact that it kept you on the edge of your seat and was never boring. Great movie but I would say Moon was better.

[chasingsafety]

just finished this, great great movie. I loved the tension throughout the whole movie. also nice kate from lost in there. Anyone care to really break down the ending for me. I think i get the gist but i want some clarification

[colorlesscliche]

What do you need to be broken down? He loves his job and went back to it.

[Posthardcore]

I literally watched this last year online. It was on watch-movies-links.net | Great movie!

[Protested Hero]

This and District 9 were so amazing together in the past month.

[billyboatkid]

My buddy said he came out of this movie super depressed.

[TK]

So...how good is this movie?

[taylerx0]

Fantastic, intense movie. I'm usually hesitant about war movies but I really enjoyed this.

[desiguerilla]

i felt like i was watchin a documentary, really good movie and very realistic

you have to be patient with this movie though. when there is action, the action is very intense (intense does not mean bombs blowing off everywhere but rather intense that adrenaline is flowing). there are a couple scenes where i was like WHOA. when there is not action, you really get the chance to see the soldiers in the movie being normal people. there is no over-acting or under-acting, its just right.

probably one of the best war movies ive ever seen, and im sure its the best movie regarding war in the middle east.

[narcoleptic953]

Fucking incredible movie. Jeremy Renner was great.

[Thomas Balkcom]

coming to DVD January 12th, 2010

http://www.dvdactive.com/news/releases/the-hurt-locker.html

[Thomas Balkcom]

still haven't watched this

[HangsLikeHeaven]

I'll need to watch this again.

[Freud]

loved this movie

[a speedo model]

still haven't watched this
Such a great film. You should change this.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Such a great film. You should change this.

I am off tonight with no big school obligations I may just do this

[a speedo model]

I am off tonight with no big school obligations I may just do this
It's intense at times, as people have said. Definitely give it a shot.

[kemichels]

Loved this movie. Should probably throw it in again sometime soon. Ranks up there with Black Hawk Down as far as war movies go for me.

[a speedo model]

Loved this movie. Should probably throw it in again sometime soon. Ranks up there with Black Hawk Down as far as war movies go for me.
I agree with this statement, it is up there. I cannot believe I don't own BHD. Thankfully, since I reserved the new COD game at work, I'll get it free with it. Nice.

[kemichels]

I agree with this statement, it is up there. I cannot believe I don't own BHD. Thankfully, since I reserved the new COD game at work, I'll get it free with it. Nice.

Sunuvaaaaaaaabitch. I didn't know that was an offer anywhere. I don't physically own a copy of BHD but would LOVE to. And I'm planning on getting the new COD when I have some money anyways. When does COD come out, btw?

[a speedo model]

Sunuvaaaaaaaabitch. I didn't know that was an offer anywhere. I don't physically own a copy of BHD but would LOVE to. And I'm planning on getting the new COD when I have some money anyways. When does COD come out, btw?
This Tuesday, the 10th. But yeah at FYE, if you reserve the new COD BHD comes with it. Just regular one disc though, but hey for free I'll take it.

[bNz719]

Just finished this. Fantastic movie. Kind of reminded me of The Kingdom.

[jbaseball44]

Will be buying this on the 12th

[SlappedActor]

Definitely one of the best movies I saw all year. Maybe THE best.

[BryterJonah]

The only part that killed it for me was the macho metal that cues at the end.

Come on!

[Thomas Balkcom]

BD Steelbook for this coming out at Best Buy. Fuck yes!

[fadedmemories]

Want to watch this so badly.

[Foosimoo]

My dad didn't find it very realistic.

[deadkidsean]

My dad didn't find it very realistic.
my dad can beat your dad up

[Thomas Balkcom]

lol

[Foosimoo]

my dad can beat your dad up

yea most likely

[deadkidsean]

yea most likely

that's totally how your post came off. just busting balls, sir. i dont even know my dad

[Foosimoo]

that's totally how your post came off. just busting balls, sir. i dont even know my dad

haha, I guess I was just posting to see if anyone else held that opinion, cause I haven't heard anyone else say that

[deadkidsean]

haha, I guess I was just posting to see if anyone else held that opinion, cause I haven't heard anyone else say that
I loved the film. Whether it was realistic or not, I am clueless about ... but I just thought the movie was incredibly well put together, acted, shot, etc.

[a speedo model]

Watched this again tonight, such a great film. One of the year's best.

[Thomas Balkcom]

finally watched it. it was phenomenal.

[narcoleptic953]

finally watched it. it was phenomenal.

Glad you thought so.

[jbaseball44]

Ebert named it the 2nd best film of the decade.

[poppa Q]

haha, I guess I was just posting to see if anyone else held that opinion, cause I haven't heard anyone else say that
Is he a military man?
Ebert named it the 2nd best film of the decade.
WITH WHAT ELSE??!?!?!?!?!?!?!/1/1/1/1/1/

[narcoleptic953]

Is he a military man?

WITH WHAT ELSE??!?!?!?!?!?!?!/1/1/1/1/1/

Synecdoche, New York.

[jbaseball44]

Is he a military man?

WITH WHAT ELSE??!?!?!?!?!?!?!/1/1/1/1/1/
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/12/the_best_films_of_the_decade.html

That's the list. Some really interesting choices.

[bard]

Synecdoche, New York.
i'm so glad he picked that. such a fantastic movie.

[fantasma]

most overrated movie of the last 5 years. I really liked it but the fact that it is anywhere near the top of best of the decade lists is preposterous.

[poppa Q]

most overrated movie of the last 5 years. I really liked it but the fact that it is anywhere near the top of best of the decade lists is preposterous.

I hope you're not talking about S, NY.

[narcoleptic953]

Synecdoche, New York made me want to kill myself, but to each their own.

[popdisaster00]

Can't wait to watch this when the DVD comes out.

[batmannj]

I just rented this and I'm about to watch. I'm excited.

[eraserhead]

most overrated movie of the last 5 years. I really liked it but the fact that it is anywhere near the top of best of the decade lists is preposterous.
I feel the exact same way.

[rhombuspresents]

Both Synecdoche, NY and Hurt Locker were phenomenal movies. Though I watched Synecdoche a few times to really pick it apart but I think it's great. My pick though would be Royal Tenenbaums, that's just me.

[doomcrs04]

So pissed he didn't get the SAG.

[ActorInThisPlay]

really liked this movie but I don't think I would give it best picture of the year.

[fluke182]

Synecdoche, New York made me want to kill myself, but to each their own.
Agreed. I put myself on suicide watch while watching that movie. It basically picked apart my entire psyche and by the end of the movie I was a complete mess. I enjoyed it on some levels, but Kaufman went too far with that one.

The Hurt Locker is effing incredible though. Watched again for the first time since theaters last night and it's just an intense, haunting film.

[laxcrs]

just got done watching for the first time...wow

[popdisaster00]

just got done watching for the first time...wow
Same.

Wow.

What a good fucking movie.

This thread should have so many more replies.

Also, I'll be thoroughly pissed at the Academy if this movie doesn't win BP.

[popdisaster00]

And wow, I didn't know Bigelow used to be married to James Cameron. Awwwkward

[Thomas Balkcom]

winner for the Sound category at the BAFTAs.

[Thomas Balkcom]

took editing category, too.

[Thomas Balkcom]

cinematography, too. Jesus!

[Thomas Balkcom]

oh my goodness, Original Screenplay!

[narcoleptic953]

oh my goodness, Original Screenplay!

Bullshit.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Bullshit.

I know, dude. That's crazy.

[narcoleptic953]

I know, dude. That's crazy.

I mean, I love The Hurt Locker, but the screenplay really isn't that great. Both Tarantino and the Coens wrote more impressive scripts.

[Thomas Balkcom]

I mean, I love The Hurt Locker, but the screenplay really isn't that great. Both Tarantino and the Coens wrote more impressive scripts.

backed 100%.

[narcoleptic953]

backed 100%.

But if the Academy has to have a love affair with a single film this year, I'd rather it be Locker than Avatar.

[Thomas Balkcom]

crazy that this thread only has a little over 100 replies.

[Thomas Balkcom]

Bigelow wins @ BAFTAs!

[Wake Up]

That^

[I am Mick]

But if the Academy has to have a love affair with a single film this year, I'd rather it be Locker than Avatar.

this 10000x

[Thomas Balkcom]

wins Best Film @ BAFTAs.

now I can stop littering the Entertainment Forum.

[Thomas Balkcom]

and by my count that is 6 BAFTA awards.

[popdisaster00]

Impressive. How do the BAFTAs relate to the oscars in terms of movies winning the same awards at both shows?

[TJ Wells]

"The end of the movie is most poignant to me, as we see a soldier used to the stress of combat take on the mundane task of picking out a box of cereal at a grocery store after returning home. Many combat veterans live the same reality — coming home to a vastly different environment after dealing with the stress of combat.
In this way, a veteran might take for granted the scenes that civilian film watchers will find so moving.

By the end of the film, the audience comes to appreciate that the experience isn’t something that happens overseas — the characters have real lives at home. Since I was there, I’m not sure whether that makes my take more or less valid. What I can say for sure is that some of underlying themes caused me to reflect on my own journey through combat and readjustment.
I can’t help but wonder — Is it possible that every soldier that serves in combat leaves a part of themselves in the hurt locker?"


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ryan-mcdermott/the-hurt-locker-a-veteran_b_471984.html

[narcoleptic953]

"The end of the movie is most poignant to me, as we see a soldier used to the stress of combat take on the mundane task of picking out a box of cereal at a grocery store after returning home. Many combat veterans live the same reality — coming home to a vastly different environment after dealing with the stress of combat.
In this way, a veteran might take for granted the scenes that civilian film watchers will find so moving.
By the end of the film, the audience comes to appreciate that the experience isn’t something that happens overseas — the characters have real lives at home. Since I was there, I’m not sure whether that makes my take more or less valid. What I can say for sure is that some of underlying themes caused me to reflect on my own journey through combat and readjustment.
I can’t help but wonder — Is it possible that every soldier that serves in combat leaves a part of themselves in the hurt locker?"


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ryan-mcdermott/the-hurt-locker-a-veteran_b_471984.html



I've talked to people who didn't like that grocery store scene and thought it was pointless. I thought it was the most important scene in the movie...

[airik625]

Since I still haven't seen this yet, I have no choice but to blind buy it on DVD. I'm sure it will be worth it.

[jbaseball44]

You can't rent it, Eric?

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

Has anyone seen this yet?

http://oscars.movies.yahoo.com/blog/51-inappropriate-email-could-hurt-biggest-avatar-oscar-competitor

Yikes. That's a very bad mistake.

Edit: Just saw that this was posted in the Academy Awards thread. Ah well.

[TJ Wells]

Has anyone seen this yet?

http://oscars.movies.yahoo.com/blog/51-inappropriate-email-could-hurt-biggest-avatar-oscar-competitor

Yikes. That's a very bad mistake.

Edit: Just saw that this was posted in the Academy Awards thread. Ah well.
It's fucking ridiculous. Talk about making mountains out of fucking anthills.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

I think I'm more shocked by the guy's grammar than anything else.

[jbaseball44]

Still don't think it will cost Hurt Locker the award.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

Me neither. I think it reflects badly on the guy, but the academy members are asked to judge the films on their merits rather than the Type B personality of an ill advised producer. The man himself is the real head scratcher for me. That's just a bad idea. Like, don't do that buddy.

[narcoleptic953]

Still don't think it will cost Hurt Locker the award.

I seriously doubt it as well. It's not like it makes the film any less good, and I'm sure a lot of ballots are turned in already anyway.

[Colorblind!]

Yikes.

[SlappedActor]

After all the hype I watched it recently and didn't really like it. The acting was fucking great and it was extremely well made but it was pretty boring and dragged like a motherfucker. Even though I disliked it I really hope it wins Best Picture over lame ass Avatar

wow

[jbaseball44]

I thought it was paced quite well and that there was hardly a dull moment.

[narcoleptic953]

After all the hype I watched it recently and didn't really like it. The acting was fucking great and it was extremely well made but it was pretty boring and dragged like a motherfucker. Even though I disliked it I really hope it wins Best Picture over lame ass Avatar

Uhhhhhhhh...what?

[Recovery Room]

After all the hype I watched it recently and didn't really like it. The acting was fucking great and it was extremely well made but it was pretty boring and dragged like a motherfucker. Even though I disliked it I really hope it wins Best Picture over lame ass Avatar
Come again?

The tension in this film twisted my stomach into knots throughout the entire thing, so I'm not sure how that's even possible.

[Thomas Balkcom]

After all the hype I watched it recently and didn't really like it. The acting was fucking great and it was extremely well made but it was pretty boring and dragged like a motherfucker. Even though I disliked it I really hope it wins Best Picture over lame ass Avatar

in my opinion, a film can't be considered both well-made and paced poorly.

[I am Mick]

gona agree with everyone else, it was incredibely well paced

[deadkidsean]

8/10 and you didn't care for it? What the what ...

[MyWorldEntire]

Watched this last night. Not my favorite film of 2009, but still very very good. I agree with some of you that the grocery store scene was one of my favorites of the entire movie.

But if the Academy has to have a love affair with a single film this year, I'd rather it be Locker than Avatar.

Agreed.

[drudo182]

I had no idea Evangeline Lilly was in it so I was completely surprised to see her in this. Not sure how I missed that one.

[jbaseball44]

Thoughts on the lawsuit?

[QuikTrig]

dumb.

[narcoleptic953]

I had no idea Evangeline Lilly was in it so I was completely surprised to see her in this. Not sure how I missed that one.

It turns up now, when this movie has been out since summer? Bullshit.

[jbaseball44]

dumb.
Have not actually read anything on it myself but I got the general idea from a friend of mine.

[popdisaster00]

I had no idea Evangeline Lilly was in it so I was completely surprised to see her in this. Not sure how I missed that one.
I have to be honest, I watched and loved this movie but I can't even remember who she played in the movie.

edit: Jeremy Renner's wife. How did I miss that?

[QuikTrig]

I have to be honest, I watched and loved this movie but I can't even remember who she played in the movie.

edit: Jeremy Renner's wife. How did I miss that?
uhh the only woman in the entire movie? lol

[popdisaster00]

uhh the only woman in the entire movie? lol
I remember the scenes and everything. They were a crucial part of the movie. What I'm saying is I somehow didn't pick up on the fact that who I was seeing was the same chick from Lost, haha.

[drudo182]

I never noticed until the supermarket scene.

[reinvaldez]

Good Luck for The Hurt Locker Movie for the Oscars 2010. :D

[Thomas Balkcom]

goes 6/9 at the Oscars. well-deserved!

[Chemical Love]

Tore it up at the Oscars.

[Protested Hero]

Ripped the Oscars a new one. Good.

[IAmNietzche]

While it seems that Watchmen, Avatar and Public Enemies seem to top most people's most anticipated lists for 2009 (with The Road and Inglorious Bastards also being popular choices), I'd like to throw The Hurt Locker in as a possible darkhorse for Best Picture. The cast of Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Guy Pearce Ralph Fiennes and David Morse is fantastic (Renner is criminally underrated; see Dahmer for proof) and it has been getting absolutely rave reviews at the few festivals where it's been released (10 minute standing ovation and the SIGNIS grand prize at the Venice Film Festival).
Damn, this is one smart dude.

[jbaseball44]

Damn, this is one smart dude.
Modest too

[Thomas Balkcom]

knew you were going to do that.

[Thomas Balkcom]

for the record, I'd gloat too.

[IAmNietzche]

Modest too
Haha some dude in the Academy Awards thread was giving himself a pat on the back for calling the shoo-ins for Actor and Actress a few hours before they were announced. I think I can gloat about calling a virtually unknown film as BP a full year before it won.

[jbaseball44]

Haha some dude in the Academy Awards thread was giving himself a pat on the back for calling the shoo-ins for Actor and Actress a few hours before they were announced. I think I can gloat about calling a virtually unknown film as BP a full year before it won.
Haha, yeah I saw that guy. Just kidding about the 'modest' comment, it just seemed like the appropriate response. I would gloat for days if I called it that far in advance

[Thomas Balkcom]

hope the award brings the film better financial success.

[narcoleptic953]

All the talk of it not earning enough money and of the (stupid) controversy that arose around it in the past weeks was in vain. Would rank near the top of the best picture winners for the past decade, if not at the top.

[IAmNietzche]

All the talk of it not earning enough money and of the (stupid) controversy that arose around it in the past weeks was in vain. Would rank near the top of the best picture winners for the past decade, if not at the top.
Definitely the best of the winners. But then again, the 2001, 2002 and 2005 Best Picture categories were highway robbery.

[jbaseball44]

Definitely the best of the winners. But then again, the 2001, 2002 and 2005 Best Picture categories were highway robbery.
Add 2003 to that

[IAmNietzche]

Add 2003 to that
I hate Lost in Translation.

[jbaseball44]

I thought that was the Chicago year, I guess I have my years mixed up

[IAmNietzche]

I thought that was the Chicago year, I guess I have my years mixed up
Nah, Chicago beat The Pianist in 2002.

[jbaseball44]

Nah, Chicago beat The Pianist in 2002.
I think about them in the year the Oscar's took place for some reason. So I remember that as the 2003 Oscars. Odd I guess.

[ActorInThisPlay]

still don't think it should have won but I'm not mad it did.

[eraserhead]

still don't think it should have won but I'm not mad it did.
Better than Avatar winning...

[ActorInThisPlay]

Better than Avatar winning...
I still wouldn't have minded if Avatar won. I don't think it was the Best Picture, but for the amount of money it made and the amazing visuals with a decent story, it wouldn't have been a terrible win in my mind.

[eraserhead]

I still wouldn't have minded if Avatar won. I don't think it was the Best Picture, but for the amount of money it made and the amazing visuals with a decent story, it wouldn't have been a terrible win in my mind.
Bleh, I think it would have been an injustice...strip away the visual effects and you have a boring, predictable plot, one-dimensional characters, average performances, and a boatload of cliches. I think it deserved every award it won tonight, definitely. But Best Picture? No way.

Also, if how much money a movie makes had any bearing on Best Picture nominees, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and New Moon would have been in the running :-)

[Macbeth.]

It was great, but certainly not in line with other Best Picture films. Avatar should have won for its innovative technology and immersive experience, Hurt Locker was the safe choice for a typical (although very good) drama by the Academy. I think Avatar, although lacking in traditional film components, more than makes up for it in doing something different and exciting that leaves the audience in awe and wanting more. The Hurt Locker is definitely a punch in the face, but Avatar is the one I'll remember in the end

[ActorInThisPlay]

It was great, but certainly not in line with other Best Picture films. Avatar should have won for its innovative technology and immersive experience, Hurt Locker was the safe choice for a typical (although very good) drama by the Academy. I think Avatar, although lacking in traditional film components, more than makes up for it in doing something different and exciting that leaves the audience in awe and wanting more. The Hurt Locker is definitely a punch in the face, but Avatar is the one I'll remember in the end
I agree with this but I actually think Inglourious Basterds should have won, or at least I wanted it to win as I didn't see all of the Best Picture nominees.

[narcoleptic953]

Add 2003 to that

2003 was Return of the King. It was up against nothing, but it would have won in any other year anyway.


It was great, but certainly not in line with other Best Picture films. Avatar should have won for its innovative technology and immersive experience, Hurt Locker was the safe choice for a typical (although very good) drama by the Academy. I think Avatar, although lacking in traditional film components, more than makes up for it in doing something different and exciting that leaves the audience in awe and wanting more. The Hurt Locker is definitely a punch in the face, but Avatar is the one I'll remember in the end

Avatar was arguably the worst film nominated. The Hurt Locker is fucking incredible. Safe choice? It's the lowest grossing winner in history, by a fair margin. I don't know what that makes it, but I wouldn't call it "safe". Slumdog was safe. Avatar won the awards it should have won and nothing else. And yes, The Hurt Locker had better sound too. And speak for yourself as "the audience in awe and wanting more". I was bored out of my mind and almost walked out. That movie was at least an hour too long.

[IAmNietzche]

I was in awe of Avatar for the first 20 - 30 min., then the shock of the visuals wore off and I was left with a horribly cliche story, with mediocre directing and some very uneven acting.

[jbaseball44]

2003 was Return of the King. It was up against nothing, but it would have won in any other year anyway.
As I previously explained, I think of Oscar years in terms of the year the show took place in, it is just how my mind sorts them. So when I wrote that LOTR was 2004 in my mind and Chicago was 2003.

[jbaseball44]

The idea that picking the lowest grossing film to ever win the award could be "safe" is ridiculous.

[narcoleptic953]

As I previously explained, I think of Oscar years in terms of the year the show took place in, it is just how my mind sorts them. So when I wrote that LOTR was 2004 in my mind and Chicago was 2003.

Ahhh, yes, I see.

The idea that picking the lowest grossing film to ever win the award could be "safe" is ridiculous.

Especially in a year where they consciously attempted to cater to more popular cinema. They go to ten to give the hit blockbusters a better chance and they end up giving to an independent film the vast majority of the country hasn't seen. The irony is delicious.

[Lueda Alia]

Nah, Chicago beat The Pianist in 2002.
I can't wrap my mind around that.

[narcoleptic953]

Crash is hard to argue against as the worst, but I still think A Beautiful Mind winning pisses me off more. If it should have won anything, it should have won Actor. It had no business even being in the best picture category, let alone beating Fellowship.

[Lueda Alia]

I'm pretty biased, so I don't think any movie is better than Lord of the Rings.

[IAmNietzche]

I'm pretty biased, so I don't think any movie is better than Lord of the Rings.
Until a Lady Gaga sex tape leaks.

[Lueda Alia]

Until a Lady Gaga sex tape leaks.
Oh, that would go in my sperm bank folder immediately. And it would be MOTY every year.

[Macbeth.]

I agree with this but I actually think Inglourious Basterds should have won, or at least I wanted it to win as I didn't see all of the Best Picture nominees.

I can agree with that, I loved Inglourious Basterds as well - that would have been a cool surprise

[narcoleptic953]

Basterds chances were gone the second it lost screenplay and Avatar was done when The Hurt Locker took both sound categories.

[Macbeth.]

2003 was Return of the King. It was up against nothing, but it would have won in any other year anyway.




Avatar was arguably the worst film nominated. The Hurt Locker is fucking incredible. Safe choice? It's the lowest grossing winner in history, by a fair margin. I don't know what that makes it, but I wouldn't call it "safe". Slumdog was safe. Avatar won the awards it should have won and nothing else. And yes, The Hurt Locker had better sound too. And speak for yourself as "the audience in awe and wanting more". I was bored out of my mind and almost walked out. That movie was at least an hour too long.

I don't agree, I think The Hurt Locker was a middle of the road good drama with good acting and great direction. I don't think this is enough to win a Best Picture award. I don't think Avatar is on par with past winners either, however it did something for cinema that Hurt Locker did not. Regardless of your opinions of its entertainment value - you can't argue that if you saw it in 3D, you've never seen anything like it. I've seen The Hurt Locker before several times with different names attached to it. Also, Avatar did feel a little bit too long

[narcoleptic953]

I don't agree, I think The Hurt Locker was a middle of the road good drama with good acting and great direction. I don't think this is enough to win a Best Picture award. I don't think Avatar is on par with past winners either, however it did something for cinema that Hurt Locker did not. Regardless of your opinions of its entertainment value - you can't argue that if you saw it in 3D, you've never seen anything like it. I've seen The Hurt Locker before several times with different names attached to it. Also, Avatar did feel a little bit too long

Hmmm, would I rather have a good story, good acting and across the board strong technical achievements, or a really pretty, really mediocre film?And how the FUCK is The Hurt Locker "middle of the road"? If that's true, then Avatar is straight up painful.

[ThexQuietxCull]

I don't agree, I think The Hurt Locker was a middle of the road good drama with good acting and great direction. I don't think this is enough to win a Best Picture award. I don't think Avatar is on par with past winners either, however it did something for cinema that Hurt Locker did not. Regardless of your opinions of its entertainment value - you can't argue that if you saw it in 3D, you've never seen anything like it. I've seen The Hurt Locker before several times with different names attached to it. Also, Avatar did feel a little bit too long

that's crap. you would rather a film with good special effects and a bland story win the Oscar for Best Picture than a film with a great story, great directing, etc? Avatar won the categories it should have won, which someone else has already mentioned. It won the categories it should have one - no one is denying it wasn't good on a technical scale. But compared with the other films in the Best Picture category, its weak, cliched story sunk it. Its parts are not greater than the whole here

[IAmNietzche]

The Hurt Locker is the best war film since The Thin Red Line.

[Macbeth.]

Hmmm, would I rather have a good story, good acting and across the board strong technical achievements, or a really pretty, really mediocre film?And how the FUCK is The Hurt Locker "middle of the road"? If that's true, then Avatar is straight up painful.

I don't know, The Hurt Locker was a good movie around other shitty ones this year - but to call it "incredible" is ridiculous - its a war drama - I enjoyed it but it was nothing different - just good. Good isn't good enough on a Best Picture standard, but out of the choices this year it was the only option. I absolutely agree it was the best movie this year, I just don't think it is in line with past Best Picture winners

[jbaseball44]

Other shitty movies like A Serious Man, Up in the Air, Inglourious Basterds, District 9, Up etc.

[Lueda Alia]

that's crap. you would rather a film with good special effects and a bland story win the Oscar for Best Picture than a film with a great story, great directing, etc? Avatar won the categories it should have won, which someone else has already mentioned. It won the categories it should have one - no one is denying it wasn't good on a technical scale. But compared with the other films in the Best Picture category, its weak, cliched story sunk it. Its parts are not greater than the whole here
Do you really think Avatar was missing that?

[narcoleptic953]

I don't know, The Hurt Locker was a good movie around other shitty ones this year - but to call it "incredible" is ridiculous - its a war drama - I enjoyed it but it was nothing different - just good. Good isn't good enough on a Best Picture standard, but out of the choices this year it was the only option. I absolutely agree it was the best movie this year, I just don't think it is in line with past Best Picture winners

To call it "incredible" is ridiculous? Everything about it is brilliant throughout, and it builds to a last half hour that is essentially perfect. For my money, it's the best winner in quite some time. Better than Slumdog, better than No Country, better than The Departed, and I love all of those movies.

[Macbeth.]

To call it "incredible" is ridiculous? Everything about it is brilliant throughout, and it builds to a last half hour that is essentially perfect. For my money, it's the best winner in quite some time. Better than Slumdog, better than No Country, better than The Departed, and I love all of those movies.

Alright, well I don't know what else to say haha -- I just disagree :shrug:

[Wake Up]

Other shitty movies like A Serious Man, Up in the Air, Inglourious Basterds, District 9, Up etc.

Sarcasm?

[jbaseball44]

Sarcasm?
Yes and you can add An Education to that list as well

[Pat k]

The thing is, The Hurt Locker wasn't even the best war movie this year.

[narcoleptic953]

The thing is, The Hurt Locker wasn't even the best war movie this year.

Uhhh...what?

[jbaseball44]

Transformers 2? that is sorta about a war

[Pat k]

Inglorious Basterds

[Wake Up]

Yes and you can add An Education to that list as well

I was worried for a second there.

[pleasedontask]

I haven't seen all the best picture nominees but I really don't see how Avatar could be considered best out of any of the nominees I saw. I enjoyed Up, Hurt Locker, District 9, Inglorious Bastards, etc. all way more than Avatar which while I enjoyed it, dragged on a little for me and wasn't really anything more than I usually expect from a big summer blockbuster.

[narcoleptic953]

Inglorious Basterds

Inglourious Basterds is hardly a war film.

[Pat k]

Inglourious Basterds is hardly a war film.

Takes place in a war. I get what you're saying, but your distinction is lame and obscures the fact that IB was a better movie.

[narcoleptic953]

Takes place in a war. I get what you're saying, but your distinction is lame and obscures the fact that IB was a better movie.

While I like Basterds a hair more, it isn't really "better". Better script? Yes. Better ensemble cast? Close, but probably yes. They both have masterful scenes that build tension to a breaking point, they both have wonderfully written characters and brilliant performances. The last half hour of The Hurt Locker, however, is as perfect as movies get these days and has an emotional power and resonance that Basterds (understandably) does not. Basterds is in no way a serious minded war film though. It's a fantasy. And as much as I love Tarantino, Bigelow deserved her director award. I would have been fine either way on picture.

[Pat k]

While I like Basterds a hair more, it isn't really "better". Better script? Yes. Better ensemble cast? Close, but probably yes. They both have masterful scenes that build tension to a breaking point, they both have wonderfully written characters and brilliant performances. The last half hour of The Hurt Locker, however, is as perfect as movies get these days and has an emotional power and resonance that Basterds (understandably) does not. Basterds is in no way a serious minded war film though. It's a fantasy. And as much as I love Tarantino, Bigelow deserved her director award. I would have been fine either way on picture.

Good explanation. I don't usually support people who say they think something is better but they like something else more, but it's cool. I thought for the first 1.5 hours of The Hurt Locker, there were 3 too similar scenes with varying amounts of tension and similar payoffs. James gets a slap on the wrist from Sanborn for being too risky, and they settle their scores over booze or video games or something. The ending was good, you're right. Basterds was super original and funny, and each scene was its own beast. Felt like 4-5 coherent Death Proofs. I love that.

[ThexQuietxCull]

Do you really think Avatar was missing that?

not necessarily, but when compared to what Bigelow did with Hurt Locker, I don't see much of a comparison

[narcoleptic953]

Good explanation. I don't usually support people who say they think something is better but they like something else more, but it's cool. I thought for the first 1.5 hours of The Hurt Locker, there were 3 too similar scenes with varying amounts of tension and similar payoffs. James gets a slap on the wrist from Sanborn for being too risky, and they settle their scores over booze or video games or something. The ending was good, you're right. Basterds was super original and funny, and each scene was its own beast. Felt like 4-5 coherent Death Proofs. I love that.

For the record, I wouldn't necessarily say The Hurt Locker is "better" either. I think they're both remarkably well written, well acted and well made films that are very different and aim to have different impacts on their audiences. The Hurt Locker is devastating. Inglourious Basterds leaves the audience shocked, not sure whether to laugh or cringe at the final few scenes. Both are among the best of what cinema had to offer in 2009.

[Cuddleworthy]

The Hurt Locker is the best war film since The Thin Red Line.

der untergang?

[Thomas Balkcom]

made $828,000 the week following its victory.

[eraserhead]

lolz

[jbaseball44]

It is playing at my shitty local theater, funny what winning best picture will do for you

[Thomas Balkcom]

it's playing at quite a few theaters here.

[SeeTheLights]

Just got done watching this from my netflix list, loved the movie so much. So much better than the last war movie I saw...Green Zone. :yuk:

[You Vandal]

So who is scared they are going to get sued for downloading this thing?

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/05/hurt-locker-torrenters-prepare-to-be-sued.ars

[I am Mick]

So who is scared they are going to get sued for downloading this thing?

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/05/hurt-locker-torrenters-prepare-to-be-sued.ars

thankfully I didn't download this. However, I'm going to go ahead and say the reason this didn't make much money is because it didn't get any fucking promotion