What makes a good movie

We watched Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker the other night and I’m still thinking about it. I’m not much interested in violent films or war movies per se, but have to admit there was something tangible and intimate about this portrayal of Iraq that is haunting me still. We lent it to my neighbor and she said the next day, “Best picture? I dunno.” But the more we spoke about it the more she said she too was haunted by the main character and the cereal aisle and how absurd war is and how truly fucked up being a soldier then being a civilian must be. I highly recommend the movie to anyone.

4 Responses to “What makes a good movie”

  1. me Says:

    I agree with your neighbor. The film didn’t hit me the same way it did for you. However, I do think it’s interesting that she really has a shot at being the first female to win the best director oscar. I wonder if that is the case because this is a ‘male’ movie, a ‘war’ movie and an ‘action’ movie. If that’s what it takes for a woman to be win, so be it. But I’ve seen 8 of the 10 films so far, and Precious just blows everything else away I.M.O. Best to you!

  2. Rachel Says:

    I’ve seen none of the movies except Hurt Locker and wish I had seen Precious – which will be on DVD instead on the big screen as I had hoped. We are almost finished with Bright Star by Jane Campion that I had high hopes for and am not too impressed thus far.

  3. me Says:

    Oh boy. You are behind! But you’ve been so busy – good and sad blessings. I have meant to say congrats on Tin, he’s gorgeous and I immediately saw a profound difference in your photos – you radiate a happiness that I haven’t seen on you before.

  4. Rachel Says:

    Thanks – I feel it inside and out. I have had so many women in my life change after having a child – something looks more grounded in them, more relaxed, more ethereal. I thought it was hormones. But when Tin cries in pain, my stomach clenches as if he had once been there. I think motherhood hits different people in different ways but for me it has been a huge priority setter – it’s easier to say No to things that will interfere with this priority, easier to relax about all the things that have to be done because he is noticeably living each moment for the first time. So there is something enormously joyful about him in my life and thank you for noticing.

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