“Zero Dark Thirty” is the cinematic creation of Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal who gave us the Academy Award winning film “The Hurt Locker.” But instead of sniffing out and disposing of bombs, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is engaged in a manhunt for the disposal of our country’s “greatest enemy.”

By KEVIN CHILL HEARD

Managing Editor

Yeah, you know how it begins and ends, but it’s the story in the middle that holds us captive – literally. The terrorist attacks of 9/11 set it into motion. The go-ahead from President Obama brought it to a conclusion.

“Zero Dark Thirty,” takes us into the dessert wasteland of its in-between.

The term “zero dark thirty” is military speak for 12:30 a.m., the dark of night and the moment that the Navy SEALs jumped out of some next generation choppers, bringing to an end the hunt for Osama bin Laden (OBL).

“Zero Dark Thirty” (ZDT) is the cinematic creation of the same team of Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal who gave us the Academy Award winning film “The Hurt Locker.” But instead of sniffing out and disposing of bombs, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is engaged in a manhunt for the disposal of our country’s “greatest enemy.”

This film is highly intricate in the nuances of the CIA’s investigation.

Through the eyes of an agent named Maya, played remarkably by Jessica Chastain, we follow the hot and cold trail of OBL. The so close but yet so far pursuit of the ghost-like terrorist leader is almost maddening for the viewer – even though we know the inevitable outcome!

From the minute Maya walks into her first “enhanced interrogation” of an Al Qaeda detainee, the reality of war and the dirty, dark, and ugly truths become evident. Yes, information was gleaned through old-fashioned bribery in addition to hi-tech espionage but it’s the enhanced interrogation, better know as torture, that you will most remember after seeing the film.

“ZDT” is terribly truthful in bringing the sights and sounds of a CIA operation and the enemy they perused, to the big screen.

Even those who remember each incident as they occurred and were reported in the media will still be shaken by each blast that takes place in the film. While “ZDT” seeks not to make any political statements favoring any specific ideology, it does make the point that the elements of war consist of small details connected to big events that many of us will never see in the news.

“ZDT” is visually impressive and offers performances that often trick the eyes into thinking that you are watching the real thing. Director Kathryn Bigelow has done an incredible job along with the entire cast.

“Zero Dark Thirty” is rated R for Strong Violence Including Brutal Disturbing Images, and for Language. Limited release is set for Dec. 19. Check listings and www.callandpost.com (movies) for local and national release date.

* You can follow this writer on Twitter @houseofchill