More often than not, when a film that is a wartime drama gets released, it usually focuses on the battlefield, and the horrors of war. Not all, but many. This is one of the few that focuses on what hapens after all that, when the news that no one wants comes, and the men who are assigned to deliver it.Sometimes sad,
sometimes bitter, sometimes even a bit funny, but definitely real, this is an excellent docudrama about Staff Sgt. Will Montgomery- a wounded veteran home from Iraq with three months left until his service is up. To finish out his time he is assigned to the Casualty Notification Office where he is sent out under the guidance of senior officer Capt. Tony Stone to notify family members of the deaths of their loved ones. The film focuses on this painful but necessary part of life, as well as the effect it has on both men, each with their own set of issues and the various ways they try to cope with them. At times this can be a very gut and heart wrenching film, and really awkward and uncomfortable, but it is presented in a respectful manner with characters that are very well developed and interesting. The script is very sharp, and the direction, as I said, gives it a feeling of realism that can be hard to endure, but never exploitative. Ben Foster once again proves he is a really talented person to watch, and he gives a fantastic performance filled with pain, emotion, and sympathy. Woody Harrelson shows that he can be brilliant no matter the size of the part he plays, or how much screen time he has. He brings an effective sense of weariness and experience to things. He and Foster have great chemistry together, and I'd love to see them work together again.Samantha Morton (whom I didn't recognize at first) is amazing as a widow who develops an odd rapport with Foster's character after he informs her that her husband has been killed overseas. Jena Malone takes what could have been a one note role ( Will's girlfriend who can't handle being with him anymore so she leaves him) and gives it mroe depth and substance. Steve Buscemi shines as one of several characters (like Morton's) who receive a visit from Stone and Montgomery and deals with it in a way that is very memorable and moving. This film avoids dealing with politics and the validity of war, and instead focuses on the people. It's a very moving indie drama that, as the directorial debut of screenwriter Oren Moverman, could be the start of a very great career for him as something other than a writer.You should definitely give this film a watch. It's quite compelling and kept me interested the whole way through.
May 12, 2011
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