In the Valley of Elah (2007)

Director: Paul Haggis
Writers: Paul Haggis (screenplay), Mark Boal (story)
Rated: R (violent and disturbing content, language and some sexuality/nudity)

Main Cast
Tommy Lee Jones ... Hank Deerfield
Charlize Theron ... Det. Emily Sanders
Susan Sarandon ... Joan Deerfield
Jason Patric ... Lt. Kirklander
James Franco ... Sgt. Dan Carnelli

The director of 2006's Best Motion Picture Oscar, Crash, returns with In the Valley of Elah. Former military officer Hank Deerfield's (Jones) son Mike (Tucker) has gone AWOL from base after returning from a stint in Iraq. Hank travels to the base to search for his son, enlisting the help of detective Emily Sanders (Theron). But, in the end, he finds more than he ever thought possible.

Let me start by saying that no one is overestimating the acting in this film. Jones was absolutely brilliant and deserves a Best Actor nomination, if not the nod, for his work. He was as subtle as he was powerful, as understated as he was engrossing. I can't think of a much better way to describe his performance than "less is more." Theron was also convincing as the only female detective in her unit. And Sarandon, despite a small role, deserves Best Supporting Actress consideration. In the time that she had on-screen, her presence was haunting and heartbreakingly real.

The story itself was compelling. Each twist and turn kept me interested, and every new revelation was effectively shocking. I can see where the anti-war sentiment could be seen as heavy-handed at times. And I agree that, at times, it was laid on a bit thick. At the same time, Haggis and his cast have succeeded in capturing something real here. Frighteningly real. This film has a lasting quality. Its images stick in your head long after the end, as they should. The dialogue they invite its audience to engage in afterwards is well worth having.

Final Rating: B+