In the Valley of Elah

I was impressed with bits and pieces of this film, but the emotional manipulation seemed a little contrived and I am sure that Paul Haggis knows it. Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron did a fine job acting, but their characters were a little too stereotypical. Jones is a retired army NCO and his attitude conveys stoicism and emotional absence. His wife is dutiful and committed, although I have had a problem with Susan Sarandon ever since Bull Durham. Jones loses his second son to a military mishap, but the twist is that it happened upon return stateside. The rest of the movie follows Jones as he conducts the investigation that the Army and local police (Theron) are neglecting. There are flashbacks via cameraphone that add little substance to the inevitable heartbreak ending, which is as predictable as it is disappointing. Overall a valiant effort from a great writer, and good acting by the principals.

I was expecting Oscar-caliber writing, but this picture will only receive acting nods (if that). I am very much looking forward to Jones' other potential Oscar contender, No Country for Old Men, which comes out in November.

Entertaining enough, better than some, but the content is very disheartening. I expected more from the team behind the film. 7/10.