Corin Harpe writes a “My Life” column for the Life section of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.I have a great interest in the film industry, and every year I watch the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
Prior to watching the Golden Globes two weeks ago, I saw the movie “Zero Dark Thirty,” which was nominated for Best Picture-Drama, as well as Best Director and Best Screenplay. Unlike others who were concerned about the torture scenes or the accurate depiction of Osama bin Laden’s takedown, I was more absorbed with the performance of Jessica Chastain, who won the Best Actress-Drama category at the Golden Globes.
As I was watching the movie — for which Chastain is also nominated for a Best Actress Oscar — I kept expecting the typical Hollywood scenario in which women are portrayed either as sex symbols or mother figures. These roles fulfill a cultural archetype. It is what audiences expect when they watch a movie.
In “Zero Dark Thirty,” I was impressed with the honesty in which Chastain portrayed Maya, a CIA operative. Her character is solely focused on her mission of finding bin Laden and does not engage in any romantic subplot.
There is even a moment in the movie when Maya’s cohort, Jessica, encourages a romance between Maya and her coworker Dan, but Maya frowns upon the ridiculousness of the suggestion, which brings a sense of shame and frivolity to the situation and to Jessica.