In the Valley of Elah
When exemplary soldier Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) goes missing after returning from Iraq, his concerned parents, Hank (Tommy Lee Jones, in an Oscar-nominated role) -- a career officer -- and Joan (Susan Sarandon), hire crack police Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron) to investigate. Director Paul Haggis based the script on actual events reported in Mark Boal's Playboy magazine article. James Franco, Josh Brolin and Jason Patric co-star.
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» Reviewed by 3 people
Tommy Lee Jones, in his Oscar nominated role, plays the father of an Army soldier who comes back from Iraq and almost immediately goes AWOL. His son soon ends up dead and he is determined to find out how it all happened. He gets help from an investigator played by Charlize Theron. There are a few turns along the way. I'll bet that you won't guess the ending to this one. This movie doesn't hold anything back from showing the extremes of loss and despair. A movie that can prove to be emotional. "And so David went down into the valley to challenge Goliath."- Cleve1212
Tommy Lee Jones nails his performance by giving a turn that's sure to be mentioned come Oscar time. Great actors can reveal with the eyes, every drop of what their character is feeling. Jones' Hank conveys truckloads of emotion without so much as a smile or frown. Writer/director Paul Haggis asks plenty of tough questions and makes several solid points, but we never feel manipulated or used. His writing is always better than that, and it's certainly the case here. Much like in his more effective Crash, we're asked to face uncomfortable situations and watch brutal realities play themselves out. We'll all react differently to the subject matter, but regardless of which side of the political fence one sits, In the Valley of Elah's power can't be denied and the strong acting must be appreciated.
- Frank W
The horrors of war are brought home in this emotional drama. Tommy Lee Jones' performance is phenomenal and Charlize Theron also does a fine job. I don't recommend this movie to anyone who has a family member in the military. It paints a very bleak picture of a very controversial subject, namely our country's involvement in Iraq. It's about the unintended consequences of following orders at all costs and the dehumanizing effects combat can have on a soldier's psyche. There is also an undercurrent of racism. I make no judgement on the story that is told here, only on the quality of the writing, directing, acting, and cinematography which in my view are excellent. If you are staunchly patriotic in a conservative sense you will undoubtedly hate this movie. If you are vehemently opposed to the war it will serve to reinforce your convictions. Or you may set your political views aside and enjoy the fine production values as I did. Due to it's controversial nature I cannot recommend it to everyone. I hope this review helps you decide if it is a good viewing choice for you. It was for me.
- couchdog53