Kathryn Bigelow’s Zero Dark Thirty, featuring Jessica Chastain can easily be called one of the most controversial films to come out of Hollywood, so much so that she, alongside her screenwriter, were under immense pressure from politicians, the public, and even the government. The reason for this has to do with the premise of the film, that being the hunt and capture of Osama bin Laden.
The censorship board is a ruthless one in many countries. When it comes to movies, something that is part of the public access, the opinion of the public can often be too loud, In some cases, even politicians tend to speak up. Politically controversial movies are nothing new. They come and go and more often than not, people speak up about it. One such case was with Bigelow.
Kathryn Bigelow Defendes Her Film
Despite the criticism, threats, and backlash that Kathryn Bigelow faced for this project, the director stuck to her philosophy and the motivations that drove her to make the film. She, according to The Guardian, spoke on a subject, talking about a lot of the criticism that the film faced. With regards to the torture that was shown, should be more pointed towards those responsible for it rather than those telling the story of what happened.
“I do wonder if some of the sentiments alternately expressed about the film might be more appropriately directed at those who instituted and ordered these US policies, as opposed to a motion picture that brings the story to the screen,” her piece continues. “Those of us who work in the arts know that depiction is not endorsement. If it was, no artist would be able to paint inhumane practices, no author could write about them, and no film-maker could delve into the thorny subjects of our time.
She then went on to explicitly say that simply portraying something on screen, does not mean that she agrees with what is happening or endorses it in any way whatsoever. She added that one of the biggest aspects of being an artist is being able to showcase difficult themes to start a conversation. She also added that if all artists were put on trial every single time they showcase something that is darker, all artists would be labeled as controversial.
Kathryn Bigelow Shuts Down The Critics
Kathryn Bigelow then went on to add, according to The Guardian, that Zero Dark Thirty is simply portraying the principles that she believes in. She added that her project showcases the dark actions of the government, which have been hidden under layers of secrecy and government obfuscation, and she is simply shedding some light on them.
“This is an important principle to stand up for, and it bears repeating. For confusing depiction with endorsement is the first step toward chilling any American artist’s ability and right to shine a light on dark deeds, especially when those deeds are cloaked in layers of secrecy and government obfuscation. Indeed, I’m very proud to be part of a Hollywood community that has made searing war films part of its cinematic tradition. Clearly, none of those films would have been possible if directors from other eras had shied away from depicting the harsh realities of combat.
She added that she is very proud of the project that she has created, As well as the community in the film industry which allows her to create films such as this. She then went on to say that none of this would have been possible if not for other directors had not gone through controversies of a similar kind.
“On a practical and political level, it does seem illogical to me to make a case against torture by ignoring or denying the role it played in US counter-terrorism policy and practices.”
She finished this by raising another finger at the US government’s counter-terrorism policy and practices.
