Q: As we progress though the film, "The Hurt Locker," how is the idea of realism being used for this movie? What kind of effects do you think this has on viewers?
A: I think realism is used quite a lot though out this film. Of course I have never been in any of the situations that real soldiers have been in, so I could not say that out of experience. But, from what I have herd and read about the movie; it is said that it portrays an overwhelming sense of realism. It shows this in the high tension situations the actors are put into. When being a part of a bomb squad you never really know how your day will go. Any moment should be their last, and I think the actors bring this to the screen in a way that is completely believable. Another is the emotional trauma that a person can sustain for being forced into high rise situations. Like when the soldiers are ambushed in the desert, or when their comrade steps on a bomb and is there one second and gone the next. See that type of thing has to do a number on someone, and in this film they show glimpses of the turmoil people face.
I think this film, for me always, is made to make the viewer uncomfortable. It's a good movie don't get me wrong, but watching the events it shows is not an enjoyable thing. When you think about it in terms of this really happening to someone, it makes me feel horrible. I don't know how people go through things like that and come home to a "normal" life. I truly think the men and women who serve this country are amazing and deserve to be recognized.
Q: What do you think your biggest take away is from this class? What would be a suggestion to make the class better for next year?
A: I think my biggest take away from this class is that i have learned to look at movies a different way. To think about how accurate something is, and how and why it was made the way it was. I learned to look at movies with a different take. Not just the entertainment part, but also the meanings that are behind the words and actions. I understand how much work goes into creating a movie no just from the director, but also from the production stand point. I can see what makes some movies different from others in the was that they are assembled and produced. My suggestion to you is that maybe have a broader diversity of movies to analyze. Old classics, independent, foreign, blockbuster, and ect. could bring a broader understanding of how movies developed over time and what makes a great movie.
Your suggestion about diversifying the movies we watch and see what makes a movie a high grossing movie and what doesn't is spot on. With studying film, you can go many different ways on the subject and may not have time to explore everything, but your suggestions allows you to kindof touch-base on everything by watching many different kinds if movies
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you are completely right with what you said in the first question. Movies like this one are very hard to watch. They show us a side of the story we don't usually get to see because we have not actually experienced it. There is a lot of emotion in this movie, and even though the men in it aren't extremely well-known actors, I think they portrayed it very well. I also agree with what you said in the second question, your ideas for next year would really benefit the next students. Also, I agree that this class has changed the way I look at movies too. It's interesting how differently we can look at films now compared to before.
ReplyDeleteGreat Blog! What you said about how the soldiers put so much effort and risk their lives everyday is crazy. I feel like they deserve so much more recognition for what they do on a daily basis. As a viewer, the film made me uncomfortable as well because you don't realize how much that they do for our country and how they put their life on the line. I like your suggestion of viewing different genres of movies. This would provide insight into different ways that film can be portrayed.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, you make a wonderful point in your first answer. Movies like this aren't meant to be "entertaining", they are meant to make you feel compassion towards those who have been in the situation portrayed on screen. Also, I love your suggestion for next years' class. I think it would be great to see more diverse films used in this class.
ReplyDeleteMichelle, I like how you point out how amazing the people are that serve our country. I think they need to be more recognized than they are because they go through so much stuff that no one even thinks about really. I couldn't imagine doing what they do especially after watching this movie. I also agree with the take away from this class. I like your suggest because I think that having a diverse range of movies to watch would help the students learn more and they would have a better take away from the class. (Btw you have a few spelling errors/misused words(: haha)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you when you say that your biggest take away is that you've realized that you need to think of how accurate the story is on the film is. I've learned that over the semester too. It makes you think while you are watching a movie.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the film may not be enjoyable for you to watch, it allows us to better understand what soldiers are living with. The movie should be used, in a sense, to rid our selfishness and stop complaining about the little things and increase our patriotism. I feel if the Mr. Leier was to discuss foreign, independent films, etc. it is no longer going to be a History Film class.
ReplyDeleteI like how you state that you believe the film is realistic, but none of us have ever been in combat so we cannot say for sure. Also I like how you point out how people don't realize how fast ones comrade can be gone, and how these soldiers deal with it. Or how they deal with mental instabilities in the war and real world. I also like your comment about what one will take away from this movie. I didn't really think about it in the way you did but I am happy I do now. I never looked at it like this could be a film to inform and not just to entertain.
ReplyDeleteI think your right on when you say that you don't know how people can come back to a normal way of life after experiencing that. It would be a nerve racking experience being part of the bomb squad because as you said the day could be your last. The movie made be feel horrible too! Nice blog!
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