“Sometimes you get to a point in life where you only love a few things, maybe even just one.”

Those haunting words in The Hurt Locker sum up a spellbinding, seat-gripping drama of life that has far-reaching application beyond laborers in an Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit. Embedded Journalist Mark Boal, who spent time with real EOD units in the field, told director Kathryn Bigelow that “you can’t go through something like this and not be changed by it.” Their hope is that this movie will also provoke thought and change in its viewers.

In this film, Sgt. James has his box of trophies that suggest a Nietzschean mindset, and the unmistakeable gait that Jeremy Renner perfected for the role shows his confidence. His singular, focused existence demonstrates clearly where he has put his identity, even if he doesn’t fully understand why he is the way he is.

“Shall I tell you where the men are who believe most in themselves? For I can tell you. I know of men who believe in themselves more colossally than Napoleon or Caesar. I know where flames the fixed star of certainty and success. I can guide you to the thrones of the Supermen. The men who really believe in themselves are all in lunatic asylums…” – G.K. Chesterton

NOTE: The 30 minute audio exploration assumes you’ve watched the film and contains spoilers.

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