The Hurt Locker Analysis

The Hurt Locker is a movie that follows an elite explosive ordinance disposal team (EOD) in Iraq. Sergeant James arrives as the new team leader of the EOD after Sergeant Thompson was killed on a mission by an IED. The other members of the team include Sergeant Sanborn and Specialist Eldridge. There are several traumatic events throughout their time in Iraq. To begin, Sergeant James becomes acquainted with an Iraqi child throughout the film. On one mission the team needed to search a building structure, in which James finds the Iraqi boy dead due to a bomb being surgically implanted in the boy. As the film unveils, James searches for the people responsible for the boy’s death. On another mission, the team encounters five men in which they eventually …show more content…
However, he shows several factors that are not symptoms of PTSD. For example, he does not show distress or try to avoid places or activities that remind him of the event. Instead, he seems addicted to the high risk and adrenaline of combat as he enlists in another tour. He may use this to fill his apparent loneliness and to compensate for his inadequacy to be a husband and a parent. In contrast, these factors show that each person reacts to the same traumatic events …show more content…
Sergeant James, Sergeant Sanborn, and Specialist Eldridge are in a stressful situation in which they cannot escape until they have finished their tour. During their time at war, their safety, health, perception of control, trust, and a positive sense of self are threatened. Sergeant Sanborn is the most conflicted with feelings of worthlessness and experiencing outburst of anger. Specialist Eldridge experiences symptoms of PTSD, such as guilt and self blame. Lastly, Sergeant James’ character is not accurately depicted as having PTSD symptoms. He is represented as needing the adrenaline of battle and choosing going to war of his wife and son. Human Services can work with army veterans to help them transition to civilian