LB - Analysing A Opening Sequence

Genre

The Hurt Locker (Kathryn Bigelow, 2008) is in the genre of War Drama/Thriller, this is shown by the location, Iraq. Also the costume conveys the genre as most of the characters are in army uniform.

The generic expectations of this genre are fulfilled in the opening sequence as the bomb squad are dealing with a bomb threat. The tension builds up all the way until the explosion which shows how the Thriller/Drama genre is incorporated into the War environment, something that is a expectation of war. Slow motion is also used to show the explosion as it heightens the gravity of the situation, exploring how war is dangerous and life threatening, a view which will be expected by the audience.

The opening sequence conforms to the characteristics of the genre, as it is a serious war film, which explores the emotion involved with war, something that is a convention of many infuencial war film like 'Saving Private Ryan' (Steven Spielberg, 1998).


Film Language

Mise-en-scene is used effectively in The Hurt Locker to hightlight the war setting. From the location and costume the genre is immediately represented. The characters have guns which shows the situation is critical, helping to add to the tension. The lighting on the set is dull which adds to the atmosphere and emotions of the soldiers as the audience know that they would prefer to be back at home with their families.

Camera shot is used effectively with close ups to help build tension and also to explore the frantic atmosphere. A POV shot is used on the robot that goes to scout out the bomb, this makes the audience feel more involved like they are one of the soldiers controlling the robot, which is used to show the emotions of the soldiers.

Sound is used effectively to create tension as there is a person speaking in a foreign language in the background shouting, this sets the scene of being at war and the shouting helps to put emphasis on the situations extreme nature. Car noises are also used to show how the place is busy and civilians are everywhere, which the audience know would make the soldiers jobs harder.

We learn that the soldiers are technically prepared from there dialogue as they are talking in a very military fashion, which shows they are trained professionals. Also the fact they are dealing with a bomb explores the characters bravery, especially the character in the bomb suit. Which shows that bravery is needed in war which the audience would be aware of.

Slow motion is used by the director when the bomb explodes as it adds drama to the scene. Also it gives more time the the audience to take it the size and scale of the damage caused.

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