The Messenger
As I sat down to watch this Oren Moverman film, I was expecting to witness another typical war-like movie with exploding body parts and collateral damage. From the onset, I quickly realized this was going to be a completely different viewing experience. There would be no war scenes or even flashbacks, which would help describe the story.
The film begins with Sgt. Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) reporting to his commanding officer and resulting in his immediate appointment to the Casualty Notification Office, which is responsible for contacting the next-of-kin (NOK) when a soldier is killed in the line of duty. With only a few months before his enlistment is up, Montgomery finds himself reporting to Capt. Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson). The two immediately find contempt for each other as their personalities collide in a way not quite understood at first.
As the movie develops, we come to understand the two character’s personalities and why they react in such a different manner. Montgomery is fighting the demons of the past, whether that be his dead-beat drunken father or a self-perceived mistake in the heat of battle, his attitude and perception on how to deliver the message to the NOK is outside the scope of his commanding officer, which creates conflict throughout the movie.
On the other hand, Capt. Stone is a by-the-book bearer of bad news type of fellow. He relates to the NOK as he lives his life, which is to say that he is so guarded that raw human emotion can not penetrate his hard outer shell. The realization that Stone is always seeking that human attachment, but always keeping everyone just an arms-length at bay seems counter productive unless one would have to do his job each and every day. There are two thoughts when delivering bad news, either sympathize with the family or be stone cold and do your job.
This film moves into a controversial issue when Montgomery gives Samantha Morton (Olivia Pitterson) the message that her husband was killed serving his country. A strange attraction between the two develops, which I can call really kind of creepy as Sgt. Montgomery seems to stalk Samantha for several days after the delivery of the message. The two cultivate their relationship even at the cost of circulating rumors regarding their seemingly inappropriate union. Is it true love or is it the affections redirected because of grief? You’ll have to watch the movie to determine the answer.
This film was powerful and moving in ways that are unimaginable. This is not a feel good movie, so don’t rent this on a “not-so-good” night if you are looking for a pick me up. This movie represents verbal communication in the highest and fastest form, which is amazing based upon the numerous scenes involving non-verbal messages.
This featured film gets four stars. I think there could have been some scenes deleted to help with the flow of the movie, but overall it was a delight to watch. The acting was flawless, the cinematography (at times made me sick) was unique and created the illusion of walking up to knock on the door with our messengers, the story line was absolutely first rate. I realize it’s Hollywood; however, if this has any glimpse of truth to what their job entails, I can only stand in awe of those soldiers who must deliver these heart-wrenching messages.
We (myself included) often say we “support our troops”. I wonder if we truly understand what that means. Perhaps we should do more than just say it! If you want to get a new perspective on the lives of our military families, I highly encourage you to watch this film.
To all of my friends in the military (past and present), thank you for your service! To those who have lost loved ones, we are forever in your debt!
That’s How Matt Sees It!
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