scene and character analysis (micro elements)

Question 1

why does eldridge suffer form PTSD?

Answer 1

after he watches Thompson die. he thinks if he had shot the gun at the suspicious guy then Thompson would still be alive.

Question 2

what does ‘mr be all you can be’ represent

Answer 2

• USA advert that makes the army seem thrilling, honourable, skilful and appealing
• ironic - suggests colonel john cambridge is acting like the adverts

Question 3

analysis of eldridge’s videogames

Answer 3

• he is playing ‘games of war’
• addiction to violence
• turned to a violent game as a coping mechanism
• repetition = PTSD
• obsessing = PTSD
• his mannerisms: distressed, skittish and upset

Question 4

john cambridge analysis

Answer 4

• sits behind desk and doesn’t experience war
• first time we see him outside he dies
• no hard work (field)
• cut off from reality - doesn’t understand soldiers

Question 5

reed analysis

Answer 5

• obsessed with glamour of war (heroism/strength)
• superficial
• alphamale type
• alphamale validation - ‘madman’ = masculine

Question 6

what is the james, eldridge and sanborn scene filmed like?

Answer 6

• intimate close ups
• dark, lowkey lighting
• crash zooms - handheld camera
• no music - can’t set the tone and there’s no lead on emotions

Question 7

what is male representation like in the hurt locker?

Answer 7

• masculine/testosterone heavy
• men express emotions physically - toxic masculinity
• instead of talking about the horrors of war they fight each other
• emotionally unable to speak to each other so end up hurting each other