I have not marched against the war in Iraq. I went to one protest and it was so pathetically small and inconsequential-- a kind of reunion for aging 60's types on the beach in Carlsbad-- that I came home more depressed than before I went. So I didn't have much hope for a film about the war. But "In the Valley of Elah" is a stunning masterpiece that works on every level! It is an indictment, but it is never didactic. No question, Tommy Lee Jones will win the Best Actor Oscar for it; and Sarandon and Theron will vie for supporting awards.
. http://www.usatoday.com/...
Sometimes a film hits me so hard and so well, words fail me. So I found some reviews that I thought were accurate:
Rolling Stone wrote,"This is a superbly acted, timely, agonizing confrontation of the wretched and criminal war in Iraq. Haggis does not flinch from the tragedy of it all and tried to involve all of us in its tragedy!"
Time wrote, "This is a sad, subtle and very good movie, designed not so much to make you think, but to make you feel the impact of large events on little lives."
All of this is true of course. But I think it is important to go to see the film because it is one way to make visible with our numbers how many people actually oppose this war.The protests are not working. The Congress isn't able to act. And the killing goes on. If you are anything like me you have felt helpless to be heard about your opposition. But now you can show how you feel by supporting the movie.
If enough of us go, the sheer numbers will overwhelm the people who are panning it, not because it is a bad film., but because they do not like its politics.
And make no mistake a bout it, this is an Anti War-in-Iraq film with capital letters.
So if the only thing I can manage to do is vote with my feet, than I will do it. Because this war must end; and we need to say so however we can, wherever we can, as often as we can. I am also going to take one person the next time I go to see this film who I know is either a proponent of the war or someone still on the fence. How better, too, to thank Haggis, Sarandon, Jones and Theron for an honest and unflinching indictment of this hateful monstrosity we term the Iraq War.