Oren Moverman's moving drama is one of the better Hollywood films to deal with the unpopular war in Iraq, and the damage inflicted on soldiers and their grieving families. Like Stop Loss and its ilk, the film depicts how soldiers return home psychologically scarred by their experiences in combat and have trouble adjusting to the normal routine of life back home. In some cases the only outlet they have for their anger and frustration is alcohol or brawling, or else they often withdraw inside themselves.
The Messenger is set against the backdrop of the Casualty Notification Team, the special unit whose soldiers are charged with informing families of the death of their loved ones in combat. They get to see families on the worst day of their life. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) was wounded in Iraq and transferred home and temporarily assigned to the unit. He learns the ropes under veteran Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson). While Stone is able to remain detached from the suffering and grief he witnesses, Montgomery is not so sanguine. He feels for many of the families, and he becomes emotionally involved with a recent widow (Samantha Morton).
Moverman's direction is sympathetic and restrained, but the anti-war message comes across strongly. Moverman draws superb performances from his cast. In his Oscar nominated role Harrelson delivers his best performance, and manages to convey the complexities and depth of his character. Foster is a revelation in the biggest and most emotionally challenging role of his career to date. And Steve Buscemi also registers strongly in a rare serious role as a bereaved father.
An interesting, moving and thought provoking film, well worth checking out.
The Messenger is set against the backdrop of the Casualty Notification Team, the special unit whose soldiers are charged with informing families of the death of their loved ones in combat. They get to see families on the worst day of their life. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) was wounded in Iraq and transferred home and temporarily assigned to the unit. He learns the ropes under veteran Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson). While Stone is able to remain detached from the suffering and grief he witnesses, Montgomery is not so sanguine. He feels for many of the families, and he becomes emotionally involved with a recent widow (Samantha Morton).
Moverman's direction is sympathetic and restrained, but the anti-war message comes across strongly. Moverman draws superb performances from his cast. In his Oscar nominated role Harrelson delivers his best performance, and manages to convey the complexities and depth of his character. Foster is a revelation in the biggest and most emotionally challenging role of his career to date. And Steve Buscemi also registers strongly in a rare serious role as a bereaved father.
An interesting, moving and thought provoking film, well worth checking out.