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1. Jayden Cleary 10.14.25 / 10pm

   I really enjoyed how you connected Maya’s role in Zero Dark Thirty to Lord Acton’s idea that power tends to corrupt. I think you did a great job showing how Maya acts as a moral compass in the film, standing up to Bradley even when it’s risky. I also liked your discussion of the cinematography, like how Maya is framed with a bright background while Bradley is in the shadows it really reinforces who holds the moral power in the scene.
2. Cole Koenig 10.14.25 / 11pm

   This analysis examines Zero Dark Thirty’s critique of political expediency and the corrupting effects of power. Your emphasis on Maya as the mission’s moral compass and motivator is good, especially since it contrasted to Bradley’s selfishness and passiveness. The complexity is added by the relationship to larger political structures and the vagueness of moral choices in vital circumstances. I especially appreciate how outside sources are used to support the film’s metaphors. Your call for more ‘Mayas’ in your conclusion serves as a powerful reminder of the need for courage, honesty, and responsibility in today’s leadership. Outstanding, interesting work and analysis.
3. Landon Lopez 10.15.25 / 2pm

   This responses is interesting because the idea of corrupt power is something that gets talked about a lot. I really like your analysis on Zero Dark Thirty because of the reality of the film and how easily something like this could happen. The part where you talked about the scene in which President Bush is speaking to the nation really stood out to be because of how important it was in the film. You did a great job explaining the different camera angles and whether or not it was handheld and I felt like it gave the reader a really good idea of what to picture in their minds of what this scene would look like if they hadn’t seen it.
4. Ashlyn Cingari 10.15.25 / 4pm

   This review is exceptionally well-written and deeply analytical. It demonstrates a strong grasp of both the political and cinematic dimensions of Zero Dark Thirty, grounding its argument in Lord Acton’s notion of power and moral corruption. The essay skillfully connects Maya’s confrontation with Bradley to broader themes of political expediency, moral conflict, and gender dynamics within government and warfare. The use of detailed scene analysis and scholarly sources elevates the argument, showing a sophisticated understanding of how direction, dialogue, and cinematography reveal power structures. Overall, this is a nuanced, insightful, and well-supported piece that blends film analysis with political philosophy in a professional, engaging way.
5. Peyton Powell 10.15.25 / 5pm

   This review does a great job showing how Zero Dark Thirty isn’t just about catching Bin Laden, but about power and how it can be misused. I really liked how you connected the movie to Lord Acton’s quote about power leading to corruption, it fits perfectly with what happens in the film. The scene between Maya and Bradley is a strong example of someone standing up for what’s right, even when it’s hard. Your explanation of the way Maya is filmed compared to Bradley helps show how she’s really the one in control in that moment. You also make a good point that people in power don’t always act out of bad intentions, but their choices still have consequences. Overall, this was a smart and thoughtful review that makes you think about how much personal power affects big decisions.
6. Jeff Krebs 10.15.25 / 11pm

   Your breakdown of the Maya-Bradley face-off in Zero Dark Thirty really hits how it shows power messing with people’s heads, like we discussed with Acton’s quote in class. I noticed you caught how Maya’s lit up bright while Bradley’s stuck in the dark—totally shows her moral fire. I’ve seen the film, and you’re so right about Maya’s big rant stealing the show, with Bigelow letting Chastain own it in a guy-heavy CIA. Linking it to stuff like torture is dope, but I wonder if Bradley’s just trapped by the system, kinda like Paths of Glory. Love how you tied it to bigger political viewpoint.
7. Jeff Krebs 10.15.25 / 11pm

   Your breakdown of the Maya-Bradley face-off in Zero Dark Thirty really hits how it shows power messing with people’s heads, like we discussed with Acton’s quote in class. I noticed you caught how Maya’s lit up bright while Bradley’s stuck in the dark—totally shows her moral fire. I’ve seen the film, and you’re so right about Maya’s big rant stealing the show, with Bigelow letting Chastain own it in a guy-heavy CIA.
8. Jeff Krebs 10.16.25 / 12am

   Your breakdown of the Maya-Bradley face-off in Zero Dark Thirty really hits how it shows power messing with people’s heads like we discussed with Acton’s quote in class. I noticed you caught how Maya’s lit up bright while Bradley’s stuck in the dark which goes to shows her moral fire. I’ve seen the film, and you’re so right about Maya’s big rant stealing the show, with Bigelow letting Chastain own it in a guy-heavy CIA. Linking it to stuff like torture is dope, but I wonder if Bradley’s just trapped by the system, kinda like Paths of Glory. Love how you tied it to bigger political viewpoint.
9. Ethan Gibbel 10.16.25 / 4pm

   This paper provides a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of Zero Dark Thirty, effectively connecting the film’s narrative and visual techniques to the broader theme of political expediency and moral complexity. The writer demonstrates strong critical thinking by linking Maya’s confrontation with her superior to real-world issues of power, self-interest, and ethical ambiguity in government decision-making. The use of supporting sources like Kelly and Burke adds depth, showing how the film fits into a larger cinematic and moral discussion about authority and responsibility. The essay is well-structured, balancing plot summary with interpretation, though it could further explore the emotional and cinematic impact on the audience.
10. Angel Vargas 10.17.25 / 2am

    Hello Emilia Shahani,

    When reading over your entry I couldn’t help but notice the small similarities Zero Dark Thirty had with Italian Neorealism and The German New Wave. The use of hand held cameras alongside the political critique of a country who’s political atmosphere was delicate due to exterior forces. I also think that ending the review with a thought to dwell on his quite effective. I think the call to action to develop awareness and possess the ability to have restraint in the political world is a strong one. In times of political uncertainty, we must be steadfast and be vigilant of those attempting to exert absolute authority on the masses. Well Done!
11. Cameron Rosario 10.17.25 / 8am

    Wow, This is a powerful exploration of how Zero Dark Thirty critiques political expediency. I like how you honed in on Maya’s persistence and moral clarity. On top of that I appreciate how you connected visual elements, like lighting and framing, to power dynamics between Maya and Bradley. That was super cool. Your point that Bradley is not 100% immoral but is actually trapped by pressure adds an important nuance to the theme. Overall, I think this post really emphasizes how the film challenges viewers to think about the ethical complexity of leadership. I will definitely be adding this film to my watch list.
12. Francisco Valladares 10.17.25 / 12pm

    This review was honestly very engaging and thought provoking; I really liked it. You did a good job bringing together the quote about power from Lord Acton and the themes of political and moral conflict that are prevalent in many films, especially the ones we have been watching in our class. I also liked how this review was quite detailed and the analysis of Zero Dark Thirty, specifically around the dynamic between Maya and Bradley, broke things down in a very effective manner that highlighted how moral conflict affected the film. All in all, this essay was a well-developed analysis that I very much enjoyed reading through.
13. Stephen Miller 10.17.25 / 4pm

    Good afternoon, Emilia.

    I have to say that it’s actually quite impressive that the filmmakers of Zero Dark Thirty took the risk of not merely touching upon, but being all about a very serious topic that has stemmed out of a true story, that being the 9/11 attacks as the context and the search for the person responsible for them, Osama Bin Laden, as the event that serves as grounds for Maya’s story. Speaking of which, when you explained that Zero Dark Thirty tends to lean a whole lot into politics, I would say that you did a great job at making a valiant effort at diving into the movie with a complex ideological approach rather than simply stating it leans more towards one end of politics than another. After all, films such as Zero Dark Thirty are almost always the most interesting when they try to let the audience know that certain elements that appear on-screen aren’t inherently good or bad, such as its portrayal of the American government and CIA that you mentioned. You also made a very strong stylistic approach on Zero Dark Thirty, since you went into a substantial amount of detail about how the mise-en-scene affects Maya as a character, particularly in the paragraph where you discuss Jessica Chastain’s acting in the scene where Maya confronts and calls out her superior Bardley for trying to complete the mission with self-interest in mind rather than for, as you put it, the greater good.
14. Easton kai McMichael 10.17.25 / 5pm

    Hey Emilia, I thought your analysis of Zero Dark Thirty was very thought provoking. I really enjoyed how you connected Lord Acton’s quote to the conflict between Maya and Bradley. It helps me understand the tension of the 2 characters. I like your examination of how Maya can do so much damage so easily and the danger of self interest within powerful positions. I also like how you talked about Maya and how the female director challenged the power dynamics of traditional Military films. I like how you noticed the cinematography, like the dark setting of Bradley in most scenes and the Mayas bright setting. I think your right in the sense that being moral while in leadership positions is complicated and not as simple as right and wrong especially in this situation. Do you think Maya’s actions would have been seen differently if she was a male?
15. Lydia Schneider 10.17.25 / 6pm

    Your analysis of Zero Dark Thirty does a great job showing how Bigelow uses power dynamics and cinematography to critique political expediency. I especially liked how you focused on Maya’s confrontation with Bradley, it’s such a strong example of how character and visual framing reveal moral tension. The way you describe Maya’s bright background versus Bradley’s darker one reminded me of how independent and auteur filmmakers use mise-en-scène to express moral contrast without heavy dialogue. Do you think Bigelow’s approach to this scene reflects her style as an auteur, or more of a traditional studio thriller method?
16. Peter Ardini 10.17.25 / 7pm

    I am really intrigued by your analysis of this film. I never knew that there were films created to give more insight into the killing of Osama Bin Laden. At first glance, I believed that the analysis would be based on World Wars or the Vietnam War. Your background on Maya and the storyline itself make me want to watch the film tonight. Your analysis gives a strong background on your topic idea of incompetence within high command. Great job Emilia
17. Henry Bogert 10.17.25 / 8pm

    This review does a great job showing that Zero Dark Thirty isn’t just a movie about finding Bin Laden, but a deeper look at power and how it can be abused. I really liked how you connected it to Lord Actons quote about power leading to corruption it fits the film perfectly. The scene between Maya and Bradley is a great example of someone standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Your point about how Maya is filmed compared to Bradley really shows that she’s the one in control in that moment. I also thought it was interesting how you mentioned that people in power don’t always mean to do harm, but their actions still have big consequences. Overall, this was a really thoughtful and well written review that makes you think about how personal power influences major decisions.
18. Eli Rourke 10.17.25 / 8pm

    I really appreciate your in-depth analysis of Zero Dark Thirty and the relationship you draw between the Lord Acton quote and the film’s central power relations. You make a great point about how Bigelow shows the struggle between moral integrity and political expediency. I particularly think that Maya’s confrontation with Bradley expresses the idea that power breeds self-interest. This is seen as her defiance is a challenge to the institutional complacency that accompanies authority.
19. Bubby Campbell 10.17.25 / 9pm

    Lord Acton’s “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” applies heavily in Zero Dark Thirty where it comes full circle with the Maya-Bradley climax. Maya objects to Bradley’s politically motivated judgments on cases With its dialogue, polarized cinematography and Maya’s moral certainty, the film is an analysis of political views and a challenge to who has ultimate power. Maya’s refusal to give up highlights how important it is to keep leaders in check, even when they go answerable only to themselves. In the hellfire of current politics, such a theme could not be more timely or lead to anything less than civilizational ruin.
20. Jacob Elbert 10.17.25 / 9pm

    This article is an exceptionally informed and organized approach to Zero Dark Thirty as a political means and moral action of governance. I appreciate your connection of Maya’s confrontation of Bradley to Lord Acton’s “power corrupts” on such a deeper level; it’s as if the tension of the film can be rooted in a timelessly ethical and philosophical approach. I like your inclusion of the cinematography, Maya’s bright framing to Bradley’s dimmed background is truly telling of their moral qualitative position. And the inclusion of Kelly and Burke as scholarly sources for triangulating military ethics in other films down the line is a nice comparative element. But most importantly, I appreciate your notion of Maya as the moral integrity for an otherwise compromised agency. This is an intelligent and academically fascinating argument that connects cinematic form to political ethicality.
21. Tatum Akey 10.17.25 / 11pm

    I liked how you focused on the theme of political power and how it connects to Maya’s role in Zero Dark Thirty. You did a great job showing how her confrontation with Bradley reveals the tension between personal goals and the greater good. I also thought it was interesting how you mentioned the use of lighting in that scene, with Maya being framed in light and Bradley in darkness, it really shows the moral divide between them. Do you think the director wanted us to fully side with Maya, or was she also showing how obsession can become another form of power?
22. Samantha Rodriguez 10.18.25 / 12am

    I really liked how you explained the power struggles in Zero Dark Thirty and how they connect to political self interest. Even though I have not seen the full movie, the way you described the scene with Maya confronting her boss made it easy to picture and really showed how power can change the way people make decisions. I liked that you pointed out how Maya’s strength came from her dedication to doing what is right instead of just following orders. It reminded me of what we have talked about in class about how films can reflect real issues in society and show how people in power behave. I also thought it was interesting that the movie does not take a clear side which lets the audience think about right and wrong on their own. The way you connected Maya’s determination to real world situations made your review feel meaningful and powerful. It shows how standing up for what is right can make a difference.
23. Devin Robinson 10.18.25 / 10am

    Hi Emilia, I thought your review was great and you brought up some solid points! I like how you connect Lord Acton’s quote to Zero Dark Thirty effectively, which shows how unchecked power and political expediency operate in the film. In addition, you did a good job of analyzing the specific scene of Maya confronting Bradley. I also liked how you highlighted Maya’s role as a moral compass and contrasted her persistence with Bradley’s political expedience, which really strengthened your essay. Overall, you had really strong commentary, and you analyzed the film really well, making it a really insightful read.
24. Imran Sohail Guller 10.19.25 / 7pm

    I really enjoyed reading your review. It was very clearly written and it could be told that a lot of thought was put into connecting the theme of power and corruption to Zero Dark Thirty. I liked how you analyzed the scene between Maya and Bradley, showing how Bigelow uses framing and lighting to highlight Maya’s moral strength compared Bradley’s political hesitation. Your point about Maya being both emotional and in control at the same time captures her complexity well. I also think it’s strong how you tied the film’s political message to real-world issues of expediency and morality. If anything, I’d suggest tightening the connection between your outside sources and the film itself because sometimes the analysis leans more toward summary than commentary. Still, your essay shows a clear understanding of Bigelow’s use of cinematography, character conflict, and political symbolism to demonstrate how power affects morality. Your argument was powerful.
25. Bella Bundy 10.20.25 / 12pm

    This essay delivers a powerful and insightful examination of Zero Dark Thirty as a reflection of political expediency and moral compromise in positions of power. Your analysis of Maya’s confrontation with Bradley effectively captures how dialogue, cinematography, and power dynamics expose the tension between duty and self-interest. I especially appreciate how you link the film’s themes to Lord Acton’s timeless warning about corruption and absolute power. The incorporation of scholarly sources like Kelly and Burke deepens your argument by framing moral ambiguity as a universal human dilemma. Overall, this is a compelling, articulate, and thought-provoking exploration of authority and ethics in modern warfare!
26. Brody Koch 10.20.25 / 6pm

    Emilia, your analysis of Zero Dark Thirty insightfully explores how Kathryn Bigelow uses visual storytelling to reflect political power and moral ambiguity. I liked how you discussed Maya’s confrontation with Bradley and how the cinematography sort of placing Maya in brighter light and Bradley in shadow which symbolically reinforces her moral clarity versus his bureaucratic compromise. This scene demonstrates what we’ve studied in class about how mise-en-scène and character blocking reveal power dynamics within characters. I also appreciated your connection to Lord Acton’s quote, which ties the film’s political critique to a timeless idea about corruption and responsibility. Your conclusion about needing more “Mayas” in leadership is a strong thematic takeaway that resonates beyond the film.
27. Hayden Abeysekera 10.21.25 / 12am

    I found your review of Zero Dark Thirty really insightful, especially your analysis of how Maya challenges political expediency in pursuit of the mission to capture Bin Laden. I liked how you described the cinematography in the pivotal scene where Maya confronts Bradley, emphasizing her bright background and uninterrupted presence to highlight her moral authority and determination. This perspective made me think about our class discussions on mise-en-scène and how visual framing can reinforce character power and thematic ideas. Your connection between Maya’s dedication and the broader ethical dilemmas of leadership shows how film can explore real-world social and political issues. I also appreciated your comparison to historical and literary examples of morality under pressure, like Lord Acton’s quote and the analysis from Paths of Glory, which reinforced the concept that power can corrupt and that individuals like Maya are essential to maintaining accountability. Your review made me consider how filmmakers use narrative, character, and cinematic techniques to reflect the tension between duty, morality, and self-interest. Overall, your paper effectively highlights the ethical and political complexities in Zero Dark Thirty while connecting them to meaningful real-world lessons.
28. Alice Zhang 10.21.25 / 7pm

    I found this analysis of Zero Dark Thirty really engaging, especially the way it connects Lord Acton’s quote about power to Maya’s confrontation with Bradley. The essay does a great job showing how political expediency and self-interest can override moral judgment, even when intentions seem good. I like how it highlights Maya as both a moral compass and a challenge to institutional power. The description of the scene with Maya standing in bright light and Bradley in shadow perfectly symbolizes their moral contrast. I also appreciate how the paper connects this to broader political issues today, making the film feel very relevant. The discussion of morality as complex and situational, rather than purely right or wrong, was especially strong. It reminds us that real leadership requires courage to question authority, something the film portrays powerfully through Maya’s persistence.
29. Heidi 10.23.25 / 1am

    Emilia, your analysis of Zero Dark Thirty was well organized and offered deep perspectives not only about the film itself, but the connection it makes in the real world. I liked how you mentioned about political expediency and tied it to the film’s message about power and leadership. This analysis feels empowering and demonstrates that those who are brave enough to take action have the power to make a positive impact and are the true leaders Overall, I think you did a great job at connecting the different ideas and delivering an insightful and powerful message.
30. Dylan Nodine 10.31.25 / 9am

    Your analysis of Zero Dark Thirty really captures how power and politics drive decision-making within government and military systems. I like how you connected Lord Acton’s quote to Maya’s confrontation with Bradley—it shows how individual conviction can challenge institutional self-interest. The breakdown of the cinematography, especially the contrast in lighting between Maya and Bradley, adds depth to understanding who truly holds moral power. I also appreciated your link to Paths of Glory and the theme of moral complexity under pressure. Overall, this review offers a thoughtful look at leadership, ethics, and gender dynamics in political storytelling.
31. Hailey Khoury 10.31.25 / 9am

    Emilia Shahani’s essay offers a sharp and insightful analysis of Zero Dark Thirty, skillfully connecting the film’s depiction of CIA politics to broader themes of power and moral compromise. Her discussion of Maya’s confrontation with Bradley effectively illustrates how personal ambition can overshadow the greater good. The essay balances film analysis with political commentary, making complex ideas accessible and engaging. Overall, Shahani’s work is both thoughtful and compelling, highlighting the enduring relevance of political expediency in modern governance.
32. Colin Crisostomo 11.01.25 / 11pm

    Emilia, your film review, which explored political expediency in the film “Zero Dark Thirty,” was both thrilling to read and very insightful. The event itself, being very politically charged, gave the film a plethora of politics to involve in it. I could really appreciate the breakdown that you included of the scene where Maya goes back against her superior. The act of Maya going against Bradley shows her as a sort of blockade of political expediency, and I could really appreciate how it was brought to light in this review. Overall, I think this review did wonderful job breaking down important moments in the film and also did very well bringing the deeper meaning of the film to light.

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