In The Valley Of Elah

Year of Release: 2007
Genre: Drama
Rating: R for violent & disturbing content, language, sexuality & nudity.
Director: Paul Haggis
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon, Jason Patric, James Franco, Barry Corbin, Josh Brolin, Frances Fisher.

Date Of Review: April 2008

“In the Valley Of Elah” is a military murder / mystery revolving around the disappearance of a returning soldier from the Iraq war. Tommy Lee Jones plays Hank Deerfield, a former Vietnam vet who finds out that his son has come back from Iraq but is now AWOL.  In fact, his son isn’t just missing he’s been killed or rather, incinerated and dumped on the outskirts of military land. A father must now come to grips with the loss of his son and face the uncertainties of what he may encounter and uncover in the investigation process. It’s a harrowing journey, not only for Tommy Lee Jones’ character but also for the audience. Susan Sarandon plays Jones’ grieving wife while Charlize Theron plays a detective attempting to solve the case. It’s a slow, plodding and ultimately depressing film. There are no bright moments at all. It’s a grim, bleak look at an extremely tragic situation.

The film features three Oscar winning actors “Tommy Lee Jones” (“The Fugitive”), Charlize Theron (“Monster”) and Susan Sarandon (“Dead Man Walking”). Jones as usual has a presence and is solid as the grieving father. It is not an easy role for any actor and Jones was rewarded with an Oscar nomination for his performance, although I don’t think it’s his best work. Charlize Theron downplays her looks and gives a fairly straightforward performance as the detective. Susan Sarandon has only a few scenes as Jones’ wife but does her bit in all of them as you would expect. But those three actors aren’t the only ones on show, the colorful supporting cast includes Jason Patric (“The Lost Boys”), James Franco (“Whatever It Takes”), Barry Corbin (“No Country For Old Men"), Josh Brolin (“American Gangster”) and Frances Fisher (“Unforgiven”), all of which have their moments.

If you are wondering what the film’s title means it is a biblical reference to the David and Goliath story. Why you ask? Tommy Lee Jones’ character shares a scene with Charlize Theron’s son where he tells the famous tale in order to help the child overcome his fears. The valley of Elah is where this famous battle took place. It’s certainly one of the films more powerful moments and symbolizes the film’s underlying theme. “In The Valley Of Elah” is an anti-war film, not an anti-Iraq war film. It is about the futility of war and the consequences of war.  In particular the film deals with the effects of war on young soldiers and their families. It is not a protest film against the Iraq war. It is a film that looks at the negative aspects of war in general. It paints a sad picture of a father in despair and a family that has been torn in two through the loss of their son.  In the Oscar winning western “Unforgiven” Clint Eastwood makes a statement “It's a hell of a thing, killing a man. Take away all he's got and all he's ever gonna have”. I couldn’t help but think of this statement when I viewed “In The Valley Of Elah”.  

Although a solid drama, at 2 hours running time the film outstays its welcome. It draws you in for the first 45 minutes or so but then gets tedious, the outcome is disturbing and the conclusion is heartbreaking. What makes the film even more upsetting is that it is based on a true story.  “In The Valley Of Elah” wasn’t a hit at the US box office ($6.7 million), nor is the film for all tastes. There have been many films over the years that have been critical of war and the impact it has on one’s human condition but for me this wasn’t one of the best of them. "In The Valley Of Elah" is okay viewing, thanks mainly to the pedigree of the cast but if you are expecting a conventional murder / mystery or you are looking for an entertainment piece, you might not find it here.  "In The Valley Of Elah" is a serious film about a serious subject matter, one that may leave some viewers worse for wear.... so be prepared.

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Pick Of The Flicks - Recommended Links:
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Charlize Theron at Hollywood Cult Movies
James Franco at Hollywood Cult Movies

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