Ethics and a Movie: Zero Dark Thrity Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Zero Dark Thirty, directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by Mark Boal, is a 2012 suspenseful action war film that is based on recent events surrounding the hunt for Osama bin Laden, leader of the infamous terrorist organization Al-Qaeda. Though the film has been regarded quite favorably by a majority of critics and has won numerous awards, it has also generated much controversy. Most of the controversy has centered on the film’s historical accuracy as well as questions about where it obtained certain classified information. In spite of the critiques, the film’s creators reported that the movie was “based on firsthand accounts of actual events” at the start of the film (Bigelow). However, there exists the question of just how accurate is Zero Dark Thirty? How much of the film is based on fact and how much is based on fiction to appeal to a general audience? While some argue that the film is purely a work of fiction that simply has a historical basis and should be treated as such, others argue that Zero Dark Thirty and its filmmakers have questionable ethics and that the film presents a bigger issue.

Prior to watching the film, I and other students at the University of Maryland, heard a speech given by William Braniff, Executive Director of The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START). In his speech, Braniff highlighted the truth behind terrorism, what causes it, and the affects it has around the world. He also mentioned the film, Zero Dark Thirty, and how the media in general tends to depict terrorism to the public, who tend not to know too much about terrorism since it is often a private matter of the government. Another distinguishing factor of terrorism is that it is not just political...

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...hat was hidden from the public to light, which is ultimately what needs to be done as creating public awareness of the indicators of terrorism can help prevent terrorist related crimes.

Works Cited

Bigelow, Kathryn, dir. Zero Dark Thirty. Screenplay by Mark Boal. Columbia Pictures, 2012.

Film.

Braniff, William. “Ethics and a Movie: Zero Dark Thirty”. University Student Judiciary. Hoff

Theater, University of Maryland. 31 Mar. 2014. Speech.

Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs. "Ethics on Film: Discussion of Zero Dark

Thirty”. Carnegie Council. Carnegie Council, 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 1 May 2014.

Dargis, Manohla, and A.O. Scott. "Hollywood vs. History." New York Times Upfront [New

York] 1 Apr. 2013: 10-11. Print.

Gorman, Siobhan. "Filmmaker Got Secret Information on bin Laden Raid." Wall

Street Journal [New York] 5 June 2013: A6. Print.