“Zero Dark Thirty” Causes Controversy
Among a string of newly released movies, “Zero Dark Thirty” has stirred up quite a debate. The film follows the story of how a woman named Maya – portrayed by Jessica Chastain – diligently works to find al-Qaeda ringleader and 9/11 attack mastermind Osama bin Laden, and the subsequent U.S. operation that led to his death.
Now what could be controversial about that? Then add in the graphic torture scenes, risk-taking director Kathryn Bigelow, confidential reports, a movie project that began before U.S. citizens even knew about the operation, inside sources, political officials’ reactions, and a surprising Oscar snub.
Terrorism is an understandably sensitive subject for our country, and one that has not yielded any clear explanations since the 9/11 attacks. May 2, 2011, was a life-changing day for U.S. citizens, when the perpetrator of that terror was killed.
Chastain’s character – very determined and resilient – spearheads the film. Those trying to put a face with a name will find no such luck, though; Maya’s real-life inspiration, a CIA agent, will remain anonymous due to privacy concerns.
While Chastain won a Golden Globe and is nominated for an Oscar, Bigelow did not receive an Oscar nod. Some speculate that this is because of the torture scenes featured in the film, and the belief that “Zero Dark Thirty” condones such methods. In turn, “Zero Dark Thirty” was nominated for five other Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
However, Bigelow’s confidence in the film has not wavered.
“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,” Bigelow said.
Bigelow was also the subject of rumors claiming she supports torture methods.
“I support every American’s First Amendment right to create works of art and speak their conscience without government interference or harassment,” said Bigelow. “As a lifelong pacifist, I support all protests against the use of torture, and, quite simply, inhumane treatment of any kind.”
Screenwriter Mark Boal has said he researched this film as a journalist would when writing an article, then incorporated that research into a film, not a documentary.
“‘Zero Dark Thirty’ is a dramatization, not a realistic portrayal of the facts,” said Michael Morell, CIA chief. “The film creates the strong impression that the enhanced interrogation techniques that were part of our former detention and interrogation program were the key to finding Bin Laden. That impression is false.”
In addition, the project began prior to the issued report of Bin Laden’s discovery and death. This led some to believe sources inside of the government were assisting the filmmakers.
This prompted an investigation led by Senators John McCain, Dianne Feinstein, and Carl Levin. They believe the CIA may have leaked classified information and disagree with the implication that torture was necessary to find Bin Laden.
The senators sent two letters to Morell inquiring what exactly was divulged to the filmmakers.
The senators stated, “Given the CIA’s cooperation with the filmmakers and the narrative’s consistency with past public misstatements by former senior CIA officials … the filmmakers could have been misled by information they were provided by CIA.”
But government officials are not the only ones protesting the film. Actors Ed Asner, David Clennon and Martin Sheen publicly disapproved of the included torture scenes.
Amid all of the controversy, Sony Pictures has remained supportive of the film.
“As the studio distributing ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ in the United States, we are proud of this important film. Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal and their creative team have made an extraordinary motion picture and we fully support bringing this remarkable story to the screen,” Sony said in issued a statement.
Another supporter of “Zero Dark Thirty” is the group of 9/11 Parents and Families of Firefighters and WTC Victims.
“There is still a constitutional right to freedom of speech in our country, and censoring a film is totally un-American and against the tenets of our founding fathers. This film inspires dialogue and no elected official can censor any film,” a statement released by the group said. “Our loved ones died for these freedoms on 9/11 – and no one should ever try to abridge them. All citizens should see this film and make their own decisions about its value. This is what democracy is about.”
To its credit, “Zero Dark Thirty” does not focus on Chastain’s character’s love life. The movie would not serve any purpose if it contained “fluff.” When going to the movies, perhaps the idea is to escape the reality of the world’s problems.
“Bin Laden wasn’t defeated by superheroes zooming down from the sky; he was defeated by ordinary Americans who fought bravely even as they sometimes crossed moral lines, who labored greatly and intently, who gave all of themselves in both victory and defeat, in life and in death, for the defense of this nation,” Bigelow added.
There is merit in telling a story in both a realistic and entertaining way. “Zero Dark Thirty” does not leave the viewer in a light frame of mind, but perhaps, if it did, that would merely give the viewer a false sense of the capturing of Bin Laden.
The amount of controversy that can revolve around one movie is unfathomable. A CIA plan that was years in the making is displayed on-screen for the world to see and to interpret. It would be surprising and worrisome if such a film did not cause controversy in a country where the subject matter is such a vital and horrific part of history.
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