 Paul Haggis wrote and directed In the Valley of Elah. I want to address a few issues with Mr. Haggis. Firstly, I really enjoyed Crash, but it wasn't nearly as good the second time around. That's unfortunate. However, I do think a lot of the vitriolic hatred spewed toward that film is a bit unnecessary and unwarranted. Actually, its definitely unwarranted. Also, Mr. Haggis is a Scientologist. Now, I'm not trying to be prejudice or hateful, but Haggis actively believes in the tenets of the dumbest religion in history. Now, I'm not saying Christianity or Judaism or Islam aren't stupid, but at least they've been around for more than 50 years. Give me a break, L. Ron. Its a sham.
Polemics about the Iraq war weren't too popular last year. Nearly all of them failed at the box office. However, that doesn't mean more shouldn't be made. But it is good to let a bit more time pass before you address an issue such as this. But, I guess since the war probably won't ever end, now is as good of a time as ever. In the Valley of Elah stars Tommy Lee Jones as Hank Deerfield, a proud Vietnam veteran with a son serving in Iraq. Upon returning after a tour, his son mysteriously dies on American soil. He doggedly questions the army investigators, and Charlize Theron's police detective character is motivated enough to be his ally in the quest. Officially, every army door is closed in his face, but Theron's sexual chemistry is enough to disarm even the hardest of men, and she gently probes, being given enough 'off-the-record' material to finally piece together the events of the tragedy.
I enjoyed this one, despite the fact that it was made by a Scientologist. Its a tightly structured and well-directed film. Jones' performance is truly amazing, and Sarandon isn't too bad herself. As a political message film, it is sometimes a bit too heavy-handed, with characters giving speeches and whatnot. But overall, it works.
The HD DVD is presented in 2.35:1 widescreen. Picture quality is excellent. Overall detail is spot-on. The color palette is strong, although intentionally washed out in some scenes. Grain and noise are not an issue. Blacks are deep and bold.
Audio is Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround, and quite impressive. Its restrained when it needs to be, but bass and surrounds really do kick in when the story requires them to. |
