The "Hurt Locker" is a drama about an elite bomb squad playing a game of life and death in Iraq - which was set as a centerpiece film amid a dizzying array of offerings at AFI Dallas 2009.
According to AFI, a centerpiece film is one that "inspires conversation, sparks imagination, and encourages contemplation."
For some, the Mark Boals material may fit that bill.
In a nutshell, the war flick takes an intense peak into the dangerous world of elite soldiers who disarm bombs in the heat of combat.
Jeremy Renner, one of the stars of the "Hurt", noted for the record that the material is highly complex.
"The lean, good-looking actor subsequently added:
"You have to see it for yourself to figure what it is about."
Curiously, when I asked Renner about the meaning of "Hurt Locker", he was inclined to hand me off to the creative team down the red carpet heading our way.
But, he hazarded a guess, nonetheless.
"I thought it might be a body box or a latrine."
When the question was raised down the line, I was bounced back to Renner.
"That's a question for Jeremy."
When I relayed his initial response, it was suggested that perhaps he meant it in the sports vernacular.
No straightforward answer was forthcoming.
"It's obviously a bad thing."
Was the answer too explosive?
Perhaps, there wasn't one.
A title of a film is usually chosen to reflect or shed light on the heartbeat or underlying theme of a project.
It may even be a catch phrase.
The dilemma struck me as one that an art connoisseur might encounter when viewing an abstract painting.
By not providing a title, or explanation, the artist opens the door for the "observer" to "read into it."
Hence, a more profound meaning may end up being credited than originally intended.
The vague responses were terribly revealing so I moved on to a new line of questioning.
When I asked Renner his marital status, he noted that he had a girlfriend.
"Any plans to marry?"
"That's pushing it," a gruff handler without any manners (not an AFI employee) barked out.
Since fan appeal may rest in "availability", my question was not out-of-place or irrelevant or un-called-for under the circumstances.
A query about his wardrobe made the rough-around-the-edges rep bristle, too.
since I put together a best-dressed list each year, the info I was seeking was within my realm.
Fashion questions were off-putting to Kathryn Bigelow.
Bigelow, the director of Point Break, K-19, and Near Dark, hesitated before divulging the name of her designer.
Was the chic dark suit something she threw together herself, I probed further?
After almost biting her tongue, she quietly responded.
"Dolce Gabbana."
Not too shoddy, Kathryn!
As she strode off and I started to jot down the name on my pad, she half-turned and - ever-the-director - informed me that I did not have to write that info down.
"Yes, I do." I answered politely.
This triggered a reaction from her male escort.
"Do you really write for the Tattler?"
I smiled slightly.
"I am the Tattler."
At this juncture, he strode back towards me and asked if I was with the Tattler published in England.
"There is a Tattler in England and one based in America."
Asking me if I "really wrote for the Tattler" was such a silly question to ask!
Did he honestly think that AFI would allow an individual pass themselves off as someone they weren't on the red carpet?
The truth of the matter is that AFI makes every good-faith effort to court legitimate members of the press to ensure there is a ample, widespread professional coverage for the filmmakers and their projects, and events at the Festival.
Likewise, AFI ensure those appearing on the carpet are key-players, and professionals worthy of press coverage based on set industry standards.
For the former reason, I am giving "Hurt Locker" publicity for their project and their actors and reporting on the Texas Star Award bestowed upon Kathryn Bigelow for her contribution to film.
Personally, I don't intend to take in the film.
Since I am a peacemaker, opposed to War and Imperalist occupations of Foreign Nations, films such as "Hurt Locker" only fuel the fire and exalt the horrors of battle and conflict, in my estimation.
In the final analysis, my readers have to decide for themselves if "Hurt" is a film they'll spring a few bucks (and a couple of leisure hours) on.
To each his own.
Jeremy Renner
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