BEFORE: I forgot that it's also Fleet Week here in NYC, but I've already touched on that with "Crimson Tide". Tonight it's another Iraq-related film before I jump back into WW2 films. I suppose I could save this one for Monday, but I've got something else scheduled. Linking from last night, Matt Damon was in "The Departed" with Jack Nicholson, who was in "Anger Management" with Woody Harrelson.
THE PLOT: An American soldier struggles with an ethical dilemma when he becomes involved with a widow of a fallen officer.
AFTER: While not directly depicting war in the Middle East (damn, I just realized "The Kingdom" is on PPV for $1.99, I should have picked that up), this film does show the aftermath, which in its own way is just as important. It follows two members of the Notification Squad, who deliver the bad news to soldiers' next of kin - where in the old days the army used to just send a telegram.
This has sort of the feel of a Sundance-type film (looks like it won a bunch of film festival awards and was nominated for several Independent Spirit Awards) because of the pacing, and the introspective subject matter, and thus it's not your typical war film. We hear stories of combat action, but instead we see the struggle as a young veteran re-adjusts to life at home.
And he's paired with an older veteran, played by Harrelson, who's become an old hand at delivering the bad news, and they form an uneasy working relationship, and possible friendship, as they go about their terrible task. Things take a bit of a weird turn when they start drinking heavily together, but that could happen to anyone, not just veterans.
High marks for the actors, who had to strike a difficult balance between remaining composed in tough situations, and letting loose with their emotions when not on the job. But my rating is not for the actors, it reflects the overall enjoy-ability of the film.
Also starring Ben Foster (last seen in "30 Days of Night"), Samantha Morton (last seen in "Synecdoche, New York"), Jena Malone (last seen in "The Soloist"), with cameos from Eamonn Walker (last seen in "Cadillac Records") and Steve Buscemi (last seen in "Grown Ups".
RATING: 5 out of 10 folded flags
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