LAMORINDA WEEKLY | 'Zero Dark Thirty'


Photo courtesy Columbia Pictures

"Zero Dark Thirty" is one of the most controversial and highly anticipated films from San Carlos native Kathryn Bigelow, who is the first female to win an Oscar for best director ("The Hurt Locker"). "Zero Dark Thirty" stars Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain ("The Help") as CIA agent, Maya, assigned to track down America's most wanted individual, Osama Bin Laden. The film chronicles a decade-long hunt for the al-Qaeda leader after the Sept. 11, 2001attack on the United States. It is controversial because of the classified information detailed in the movie. How did Oscar winner, producer and writer Mark Boal ("The Hurt Locker") and Bigelow receive so much classified information? They will probably be addressing the United States Congress on this issue.

"Zero Dark Thirty" is an amazing film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The movie is graphic, but as with "The Hurt Locker," the scenes are displayed on the screen with realism, superior editing and excellent cinematography. This movie is not for younger viewers! It is rated R for several reasons including torture scenes, violence, and strong language.

"Zero Dark Thirty" was nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture, Best Screenplay, Best Sound Editing, Best Editing and Best Actress - Chastain. It is astonishing that Bigelow did not receive a Best Director nomination. Will "Zero Dark Thirty" win the Oscar for best picture? No. Should it? Yes! The film is long with a total running time of 2 hours and 37 minutes.

Three historical movies are nominated this year for Best Picture at the Oscars - "Zero Dark Thirty," "Lincoln" and "Argo." I hope this is not how Americans are receiving their history lessons.

Derek Zemrak is a Film Critic, Film Producer and Founder of the California Independent Film Festival. You can follow Derek on Twitter @zemrak for the latest Hollywood news.