Sunday, February 03, 2013

Zero Dark Thirty and the Art of Persuasion


Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty is a modern-day epic. While films like Lawrence of Arabia, Reds and Braveheart are widely considered to be definitions of epics, Zero Dark Thirty presents a new definition of the epic. It is both historical and immediate. The film depicts both the turn of the 21st century and also events that occurred less than two years ago. Zero Dark Thirty accomplishes the rare combination of being both immediate and retrospective. There is room for contemplation and there is room for evaluation, both critical and complementary.

Running two hours and thirty-seven minutes, the film is every bit the same in stature as the David Lean films we associate with the term “epic” (Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on The River Kwai, etc.) even if it doesn’t focus on sprawling vistas. Just like those David Lean classics, Zero Dark Thirty must be seen at the movie theater. If you miss out on the opportunity to see it on the big screen, you’re doing yourself a great disservice. We tend to think that lush landscapes, huge explosions or infectious laughter are the primary reasons to pay the big money to see a movie at the theater in this day and age. But Zero Dark Thirty reminds of another reason: the escape from distraction. You cannot watch this movie with interruption. The simple pausing of a DVD or glancing at your smartphone irreparably disrupts the immersion and first-class storytelling on display here. Often complex, the film is rarely confusing despite boasting a large cast of characters, diverse locations and leaps in time.

As the movie begins, we feel thirsty for revenge and driven by virtue but by the time we get to the end, we feel some sense of closure but also a degree of uncertainty. The film leaves itself open enough for you to make your own decisions and inject your own thoughts on the issues depicted in the film. But in between, the film is wholly focused on the art of persuasion. Nearly every single scene in Zero Dark Thirty can be boiled down to one character finding a way to persuade another character do what they want. We could suggest this is a fundamental element of our own everyday lives. But life is about negotiation and compromise. Zero Dark Thirty is about getting what you want. Much has been made about the film’s depiction of torture. Without getting too far into the debate, I do not think the film endorses torture but it does contextualize it. The sequence that crystalized everything for me though was the back-to-back scenes involving Jason Clark’s character trying to get a lead from a contact in Kuwait City and Jessica Chastain’s character trying to get Edgar Ramirez’s character to increase surveillance on a target. In one sequence, a Lamborghini persuades, in the other, a Budweiser. It comes down to knowing your audience. Each act of persuasion requires a different approach. Whether you are using fear, compassion, sympathy, camaraderie, or other, Zero Dark Thirty illustrates how hard it is to convince another person to see things your way and the lengths that people will go to get what they need. Notably, the film sidesteps the ultimate act of persuasion in these events, getting President Obama’s sign-off, but that really would have been an unfilmmable scene that would have inherently disrupted the film’s verisimilitude and rhythm. We also get a strong enough sense of the chain of command from the sheer length it takes and also the different personalities in the chain of command.

Zero Dark Thirty is an instant classic. It is a film that must be seen now. In twenty years, it may not seem as relevant. But as should be suggested by a modern-day epic, it helps us to understand the times we live in.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very interesting argument and I generally share your ideas about art and criticism, especially opposed to those who see everything as political. Greenwald's piece in the Guardian was one of the more tiresomely self-riteous whinges I recall having read. If you have been interested just click to Check This Out.

Howard said...

Awesome!

Unknown said...

Reviewed by Sean Evans on March 25,2013 – Rating: 1.0
Miserable experience.They ripped me off for $600 for a dissertation and refuse to give me my money back.”
2 THOUGHTS ON
Taylor on June 4, 2013 at 10:52 PM said:
You are right. I have been debating with them for at least a month now, trying to get my refunds, it’s because the writer can’t even write shit or follow the prompt. Claimed to be “professional” yeah right. They also claimed that they refunded my money already by just clearing out my balance. However, the email I received from money bookers still saying I was charged on that date. They lied & keep on saying “your refunds should be in 4-6.” i waited & after 2 weeks, still nothing. I keep on checking back even though they closed my inquiry many times. I mean, I only uploaded $55 for the balance, but I didn’t use it. The money isn’t that a big deal, it’s just the writers & their service is poorly done. I cancelled the writer because 1. Passed deadline 2. The paper was off topic, completely vague, lacks development & much more. 3. way different from U.S writing style 4. Busy schedule & I just want to try how this service work. Personally, i definitely to not recommend this service.

Reply ↓
admin on June 20, 2013 at 9:42 PM said:
Thanks for your feedback, I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one.

writing help said...

Intersting article! I read something similar at special-essays.

write my essay said...

It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike additional blogs I have read which are really not tht good. I also found your posts very interesting. In fact after reading, I had to go show it to my friend and he enjoyed it as well! Writings-centre.com

Sam said...

This article contains interesting thoughts. Check This Out

Linda said...

Very useful staff! Thanks a lot. Check This Out to know more.

alexxlexx said...

I like this film too, Check This Out to learn more!

Unknown said...


Nice post. I like the way you start and then conclude your thoughts. Awesome

Unknown said...

Recommend a GOOD website. There are many different interesting articles and advice. Also helped me writing essays.And I can say
confidently it was the best site for writing essays.

Unknown said...

I think that film
"Zero Dark Thirty and the Art of Persuasion" is epic. And my favourite film is saga "Star Wars".
And what is your favourite film? I appreci
read here =)


Unknown said...

Everything look enormous!! Your theme is actually exceptional and I welcome your commentary script... Buy Coursework

Unknown said...

Writing essays is a difficult task. However, the majority of students have to write essays in colleges and schools. Some essay types are easy while other require special skills and knowledge. It may be difficult to write a good essay for students who have to work part time or students from abroad. http://custom-writing.net

Unknown said...

Like watching film like this one but have a lot of task in writing?I have the best advice for you : http://advanced-writer.com with this professional services you will be the best!

Anonymous said...

If you feel unable to do your essay and want to reduce the risks of getting bad grade,consider of using essay writing service from professional and truthworthy company,like http://www.essays-shark.net.This company has many experienced and skilled writing experts who are always ready to assist you to write original and high quality essay

kitty23 said...

Haven't seen this movie, but liked this article! Thanks a lot, when i have possible, will look! Well, that essay-mania.com helps to have more free time!

Unknown said...

It is very hard to learn the ert of persuasion. Great article, keep on writing and posting further fascinating texts. You are welcome to academic-writings.com in case you need professional assistance in academic paper writing.

Unknown said...

I never see movie of Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty, but I think this film interesting, i hope on that! By the way visit on this site http://essay-professors.com if you want quality essay for yourself

essay-experts said...

Get the best results with our cheap writing service!

Sophie Grace said...

I read a lot of blog posts and I never heard of a topic like this. I love this topic and you made about the bloggers bucket list. 192.168.l.l