Woody Harrelson Delivers (And not only a message!)

Most often when we think of the U.S. Army we think of men traveling overseas to protect our country using guns, bombs and any other type of weaponry. Why? Because this is what our media most depicts – the endless action, the countless explosions and the tribulations of war overseas. We often forget about the soldiers who are behind the scenes. Those assigned to the Army’s Casualty Notification Service must make painful one-time visits are endured time and time again as these officers must personally notify the “NOK” (next of kin) that their overseas soldier has passed. Despite the horrendous violence and physical pain endured overseas, these soldiers who end up sitting in the living rooms of military families experience just as much darkness in their lives.

This thought-provoking drama, set in the U.S. during the Iraq war, stars Ben Foster (3:10 to Yuma 2007) playing a young, hot headed U.S. Army Officer, Will Montgomery, who just returned home from Iraq and has now been allocated to the Army’s Casualty Notification Service - one of the most disliked and depressing duties in all of the Army. Woody Harrelson (Seven Pounds 2008) stars as Captain Tony Stone, alongside Foster as his mentor and partner. Tony and Will are the men who family members hope to never see on their doorstep.

Will, who just returned home and is adjusting to a different lifestyle, is significantly challenged by his new mission. This assignment solely requires the officers to show up as soon as possible, report the news to the kin of the fallen soldier and be on their way. Although this sounds like a simple, straightforward task that is the problem. The strict rules and inability to show emotion or offer personal sympathies is what quickly begins to eat away at Will. As his softer side is more exposed by this point, Will handles his pain with silence and deep thought while Tony, on the other hand, deals with their mission differently.  He tries to distance himself and cover any pain with cynical humor.  Initially, these two do not see eye-to-eye as Will is still coming to grips with the reality of his duty but as the story evolves, so does their bond. They realize they are the only one’s who truly understand what the other is feeling. While their friendship is heartwarming it is heart wrenching at the same time.  As the audience, you are relieved that they have created such a strong bond yet the circumstances in which this bond forms are what is most upsetting.

When Tony and Will are not hanging out Will spends his time with a recent Army widow, Olivia Pitterson, played by Samantha Morton (Elizabeth: The Golden Age 2007). This uncomfortable-turned-friendly relationship adds light to such a dark matter.

The screenplay by Alessando Camon and Oren Moverman is poignant, engaging and smart. First time director, Oren Moverman, uses a handheld camera and very little editing to make the viewer feel as though they are a messenger too. Instead of witnessing this dreadful experience we are right there alongside these soldiers, our hearts beating just as fast as theirs.

There was a very intriguing moment during a serious conversation between Tony and Will. Tony discusses the fact that there is so much of the war people don’t see, “We should play more of the funerals on TV. I mean, we are in a war, aren’t we?” He thinks that maybe we should take more time to understand and honor those who fight for our country on an everyday basis and not just on holidays. Maybe he is on to something?

Bottom line?  Morton and Foster are excellent in this film and this may be Harrelson’s best performance yet. Exceptional depiction with a much-needed light shed on this topic. Powerful message but somewhat painful to watch.  May not be for everyone.

The Messenger is up for two Academy Award nominations: Best Original Screenplay and Harrelson for Best Supporting Actor.

Jessica Aymond © March 2010