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| Movie Review: In the Valley of Elah Alternate Title: A Nation in Distress
Story: This is a must see film
for any lover of cinema. It has a great script, incredible acting and
an eye opening, riveting story. It is brilliantly directed by Paul
Haggis (Crash) and written by both Paul Haggis
and Mark Boal. Boal's original article on Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder (Death and Dishonor) amongst returning vets
from Afghanistan and Iraq first appeared in Playboy and is the basis
of this film. It is not an anti-war movie per se but it is
about how we treat our returning soldiers and what the real, profound
costs of this particular war are. It is a who dunnit in the grand old
style of film. The film takes place in late 2004. You can hear
President Bush in the background speaking about the war and the terrorist
threat. You can also hear John Kerry as he makes his run for the office.
There is nary a comment on either man. Their words and history speaks
for itself. A retired military officer discovers his son has gone AWOL
upon returning to the States. He is convinced the military is giving
him the runaround and decides to find him by himself. The discovery of a body and the unraveling of
the crime slowly strips away the lies, the cover-ups, the madness of
the war weary Vets and the eventual truth. It is one of the best films I have seen this
year and like Jack Nicholon said in A Few Good Men some of
you might not be able to 'handle the truth'. For more background on this terrific film go
to this article a out Mark Boal's original article on PTSD and the returning
Iraqi Vets. http://sev.prnewswire.com/publishing-information-services/20070212/CGM04712022007-1.html Acting: Tommy Lee Jones is nothing
short of brilliant as the distressed father. It is his best work ever.
Charlize Theron can act - end of story. Susan
Sarandon, as the soldier's mother gives a heartbreaking performance.
The rest of this ensemble cast are all terrific including: Jason
Patric, Barry Corbin, Josh Brolin, Frances Fisher, Wes Chatham, Jake
McLaughlin, Mehcad Brooks, James Franco, Jonathan Tucker, Wayne Duvall,
Victor Wolf, Brent Briscoe, Greg Serano, Brent Sexton, Devon Brochu,
Zoe Kazan, Glenn Taranto, Jennifer Siebel, Kathy Lamkin.
Predilection: None
Critters: There is a scene where a drowned dog is
discussed but you do not see the dog.
Food: Chicken, eggs, toast and an unidentifiable
pasta dish.
Sex Spectrum: There are a few male butt shots seen
in a shower and lots of boobs in bars near the base.
Soundtrack: Appropriate
Opening Titles: The opening shots of the father set
the stage for the rest of the film.
Visual Art: Cinematographer Roger Deakins
manages to film a New Mexico dessert and environs as if all life has
been drenched and bleached out of it. Marvelous.
Theater Audience: Very crowded for a midweek, midday
show.
Weather: The dessert is hot.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: War is hell
Drift Factor: I was riveted throughout.
Predictability Level: I hit the nail on the head
for some things but did have a few surprises.
Tissue Usage: I wept a bit.
Oscar Worthy: Oh my yes. I cannot imagine that Tommy
Lee Jones would not get a nod for this film and perhaps Haggis would
get another nod too.
Soap Box: This war sucks.
Big Screen or Rental: Big screen
for sure. For some great rentals try any of my favorite Tommy
Lee Jones films are: A Prairie Home Companion. The Three
Burials of Melquiades Estrada, The Missing, Men in Black, Cobb, Natural
Born Killers, The Client, The Fugitive , Heaven & Earth, .JFK ,
The Executioner's Song, Coal Miner's Daughter
Length: Under two hours
LOBO HOWLS: 9
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