In the Valley of Elah
"Why did they send a boy to fight?"
I saw this movie over the weekend. My friend Sue had recommended it and said that everyone should see it. I agree. It was completely devastating. Larry fell asleep of course, but I cried through half of it. It wasn't what I expected, but I believe that was completely intentional - you're sure that some dark conspiracy will be revealed, but of course the truth is so much simpler and so much darker than you could have imagined. No one suffers a bullet wound or an IED attack . . . instead the movie focuses on the brutal psychological toll that war, especially this war, takes on the people involved. The movie's message sneaks up on you - you're trying to solve the mystery, determine the red herrings, discern the clues, but it's all misdirection. By the end, you've gotten the message quite thoroughly - that how participating in war destroys the spirit of even decent people. The title refers to the place where David fought Goliath, but anyone who thinks this is about the triumph of the little guy over larger forces has completely missed the point.
It's all very well done. Of course the movie belongs to Tommy Lee Jones, and he's terrific, as everyone says, but truly, it's the women who give this movie its heart. Susan Sarandon is only in a couple of scenes, but her impact is substantial. And Charlize Theron is totally amazing. She can act. And she really grounds this movie - it would be a different, less rich experience, without her.
You have to be up for it - it's a damn hard movie to watch, but it's worth the effort.
I saw this movie over the weekend. My friend Sue had recommended it and said that everyone should see it. I agree. It was completely devastating. Larry fell asleep of course, but I cried through half of it. It wasn't what I expected, but I believe that was completely intentional - you're sure that some dark conspiracy will be revealed, but of course the truth is so much simpler and so much darker than you could have imagined. No one suffers a bullet wound or an IED attack . . . instead the movie focuses on the brutal psychological toll that war, especially this war, takes on the people involved. The movie's message sneaks up on you - you're trying to solve the mystery, determine the red herrings, discern the clues, but it's all misdirection. By the end, you've gotten the message quite thoroughly - that how participating in war destroys the spirit of even decent people. The title refers to the place where David fought Goliath, but anyone who thinks this is about the triumph of the little guy over larger forces has completely missed the point.
It's all very well done. Of course the movie belongs to Tommy Lee Jones, and he's terrific, as everyone says, but truly, it's the women who give this movie its heart. Susan Sarandon is only in a couple of scenes, but her impact is substantial. And Charlize Theron is totally amazing. She can act. And she really grounds this movie - it would be a different, less rich experience, without her.
You have to be up for it - it's a damn hard movie to watch, but it's worth the effort.
Labels: movies
posted by Danielle @ 11:30 PM
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