Backstage Interview- Mark Boal

BACKSTAGE INTERVIEW

CATEGORY: Original screenplay

INTERVIEW WITH: Mark Boal

FILM: “The Hurt Locker”

Q. Hi, Mark.  What prompted you to write this particular screenplay?  What is it about that subject matter that drew you to write?

A. In a way, I thought it was an eye opening and inspiring    let’s just say I had an eye opening experience in Baghdad in the end of 2004, and I thought that the story of these guys who have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world would be an interesting way to look at the war in a broader sense.  And as I said on stage, it was just an idea and the fact that it’s become this is really a    I’m tremendously grateful and humbled by the outcome.

Q. You had mentioned in your speech that your father would have been proud of you.  How has your father inspired you?

A. In so many ways.  Just really teaching me and encouraging me to follow my heart.

Q. Are you scared to death about Best Picture?

A. Well, I’m feeling a lot better about it now than I was 15 minutes ago.