In the Valley of Elah

Another week, another Iraq- themed movie. so what sets this one apart? Well, two things really - firstly there's a terrific performance from Tommy Lee Jones (probably just about deservedly edging out his turn in No Country for Old Men for an Oscar nomination) as an ex-military policeman struggling to come to turns with the disappearance and then murder of his son after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. In many ways its a similar role to his one in the Coens' film - a man feeling increasingly out of step with a world he can no longer understand, where he can no longer be sure of the things he thought certain. He is ably supported by Susan Sarandon (underused, but at her best for a long time) in another subtly nuanced role as his wife.

The other thing that has set this film apart is where it has found audiences in the States - despite the eminent liberal credentials of writer-director Paul "Crash" Haggis, the movie has done best in middle America - the Southern and midwest states, in the towns and families who are actually sending their sons and daughters to fight the war in Iraq. It somehow seems to tap into the confusion of patriotic America that has somehow lost its moral compass and no longer feels like it understands whats going on.

Haggis is not always the most subtle either as a writer or director and, the performances of Jones and Sarandon aside, this is no different. The symbolism (watch out for the flags) is pretty blatant but effective none the less.

The touching emotional drama is balanced by a police procedural element that is efficient, but not original. Charlize Theron does as well as can be expected with a stereotyped role as a single mum detective struggling in a chauvinist force. Its definitely the weaker element of the film - not bad, just not really adding much to the mix.

Overall - 3.5/5 A great performance from Jones in a hard-going but touching drama let down slightly by an police element that adds little to the mix. As a whole the film certainly catches something of the despair of an America unable to fully come to terms with events in Iraq.