Genres

Visitors Review

Ali Catterall 2012-05-23 06:26:10

Knocking people up the wrong way

Two-thirds into The Messenger, Woody Harrelson's grizzled Desert Stormveteran ironically puts his finger on part of the reason whyHollywood's Iraq war dramas have been such flops. As he tells BenFoster's young, traumatised war hero, "In Vietnam, those guys got laidsix ways from Sunday". Bosnia? "Best brothels in the world." But Iraq?"All that religious bulls**t – and nobody getting laid. That's half thereason everybody's so angry!" Crudely put, Iraq isn't sexy. Iraq is too recent, too raw, too alienand frankly too illegal for most cinema-goers to regard asentertainment. Even the prospect of Jason Bourne in Baghdad couldn'tsave Green Zone from scooping less than a handful of sand at the boxoffice. And if The Hurt Locker proved the bankable exception, all itreally proves is that people prefer their action movies as apoliticalas possible. Actually, the best films being made right now about thewars in the middle-east are documentaries – which is also problematic,as American audiences usually look forward to those about as much asgetting their feet blown off by an IED. As a US army private remarkedin 2007, Iraq "is a reality show everybody's bored of." What The Messenger does is to bring the war back home again in a veryliteral and jolting way. Foster and Harrelson play emissaries for theAngel of Death. As a Casualty Notification team it is their hideousassignation to ring doorbells and unmake somebody's day. These soldiersmay be deactivated from combat, but together they're as lethal as apair of hollow points – one weathered and scratched, the other, freshlypopped out of the mould, repeatedly strolling into zones packed withemotional time-bombs... and heavily pregnant girlfriends. It's never anything other than absolutely horrible. And strangely,calls to mind Alan Clarke's short film Elephant – a succession ofnear-wordless sectarian executions in Northern Ireland. With theirlong, static takes, both pictures have a voyeuristic quality, but whereElephant is coolly dispassionate, The Messenger means to shake you likea rag doll, and does so.As a character study and dark sort of buddy movie, it works very well.There's something of the young Sean Penn about the excellent Foster,straining to reach out to the world, while the testosterone-squirtingHarrelson, whose bald dome and beady eye makes him look even more likea walking erection, personifies the confluence between lust and warwith every utterance: "I'd like to strap her on and wear her like agovernment-issue gas mask" he notes of a passing barmaid.If there's a certain over-familiarity about its scenes of men hurtingthemselves in small rooms to speed metal soundtracks, or limpingdazedly around supermarket aisles longer and wider than Death Valley,well, perhaps that's unavoidable: this is now cinema's officialdepiction of PTSD. The film does lose focus after Foster ignoresprocedure ("Don't touch the N.O.Ks!") and falls for Samantha Morton'sarmy widow – a beautifully understated performance, despite having toparrot such clunky Oscar-bait as "His shirt smelled of rage and fear.It smelled of the man he had become, over there. You know?" In his 1959 novel The Tin Drum, Günter Grass conjures up a swankypost-war nightspot called The Onion Cellar, where emotionallyconstipated Germans pay through the nose to perch on crates andritually slice onions until they're swimming in crocodile tears. Backthen, Grass was satirising Germany's inability to grieve following itsnumbing defeat. Today, Hollywood is harvesting onions as fast as it can– yet the more onions it lobs at audiences, the more audiences duck. Perhaps years from now, a drama will be made that perfectly articulatesthe Allied experience of Iraq, as The Deer Hunter or Apocalypse Now didwith Vietnam. The Messenger isn't that film, but it's among the betterones.

2012-05-22 23:29:49

A beautifully crafted film anchored by stellar performances.

Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery, just back from Iraq, is a decorated war hero, wounded, with only three months left. He gets assigned to deliver death notifications, under the supervision of Captain Tony Stone, a man hardened by what he has (and hasn't) seen. When Will begins to fall for a woman whose husband has just died, he becomes a conflicted man, with his loyalties shifting between morality, the Army, and the urges of his own heart.THE MESSENGER is a beautiful film. The two lead performances are outstanding; Ben Foster has proven again and again that he is one of the best actors on the scene right now, even in films as ho-hum as the third X-MEN and PANDORUM. It's nice to see him in a good film again, a film that's up to the standards of his talent. Alongside him is Woody Harrelson, an actor finding a well-deserved resurgence lately (from blockbusters such as 2012 to indie flicks like DEFENDOR). Harrelson and Foster carry the film; they're working with a marvelous script, and some superb direction, but this is their film through-and-through. They command every scene, as their characters get to know each other, and come to a greater understanding of what it means to be human. Surrounding them are a stellar bunch of supporting actors (most notably Samantha Morton as Will's new flame, and Steve Buscemi as a bereaved and violent father). Even the minor roles are filled with fine actors; certain scenes are genuinely gut-wrenching. This film is, at times, an uncomfortable viewing experience.I suppose, on some level, THE MESSENGER is an anti-war film. But it doesn't have an agenda. It has a heart; it has a sense of humanity. It is about two men doing one of the worst jobs imaginable, and how they cope in their respective ways. This isn't a film for everyone; it's slow-burning and rather ambiguous. If heart-wrenching, intelligent dramas aren't your thing, pass this one by. However, if you appreciate films that are deep and powerful, anchored in reality, then you could do far worse than THE MESSENGER. (Also, the DVD/Blu-ray features a documentary about actual members of the Casualty Notification Team, which is almost as interesting as the movie itself.)

meeza 2012-05-22 02:24:09

Message must be heard on this film's messages

I have to throw in a few messages on the drama "The Messenger".Writer-Director Oren Moverman's melancholic film does present more thanjust a few messages on the psychological trauma of warfare and on theintense wretchedness of Casualty Notification officers. Ben Fosterstars as Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery. He is proclaimed a hero forsaving the lives of several soldiers during an Iraq deployment;however, Will suffered leg & eye injuries for his bravery and iseventually sent back to the states. The Army then assigns Montgomery aspart of a Casualty Notification Team, but initially Will does not havethe will to power up to that challenge. Woody Harrelson co-stars asCaptain Tony Stone, who is Will's mentor & partner of the CasualtyNotification Team. During their first few days together on the job,Tony teaches Will the ropes of the CN but Will would rather stay homeand watch CNN instead of delivering heart-wrenching news to familymembers of those killed on duty. The boys do initially bump heads withtheir contradictory personalities, but eventually the predictablebromance does blossom between the two, army style. I do credit Movermanfor making the right moves in directing the intense scenes of Tony andWill delivering the somber news to family members. Though they wereprofoundly depressing, they were the most authentic scenes of themovie. I don't want to be a bearer of bad news, but I think Movermanstumbles a bit in the scenes of Will's lonesome despair and hissemi-stalking of a recently deceased soldier's wife. It was a bit toodesolate & creepy for my taste, even with the theme of the narrative.Moverman's screenplay (deservingly nominated for a Best ScreenplayOscar nomination) was poignant enough to spread the message in theHollywood circles that the young Oren is a man on the move; upwardsthat is. The best news worth delivering of "The Messenger" is about itsexemplary acting ensemble. Ben Foster's tour-de-force performance asStaff Sergeant Will Montgomery was emotionally commanding. Cheers toWoody Harrelson for delivering the best performance of hiswell-respected career for his role as Captain Tony Stone. And is therea better actress working today than Samantha Morton? Maybe, but not toomany. She was stunning in her few scenes as Olivia Patterson, therecent widower who attracts the attention of Montgomery. The legendarycharacter actor Steve Buscemi only shows up in a couple of scenes as agrieving father but his character's sentiment speaks volumes of TheMessenger's focal message. "The Messenger" is not one for the lighthearted, but does merit a badge of courage for fixating on theheavy-hearted Casualty Notification officers. God Bless them all. ****Good

2012-05-21 13:01:10

different

This review is from: The Messenger (DVD) This movie was different. It was good . Enjoyed it but it WAS different. Good acting.

2012-05-21 03:55:06

Wars and Afterburn

THE MESSENGER, even from the 'impersonal' title choice, places the complete picture of the emotional devastation that wars create. The horrors and psychological destruction that occur on the battlefield and in the trenches awaiting encounter are only one aspect of the insanity of war. The afterburn - the effects on returning soldiers permanently damaged by the experience as well as the effects on families and loved ones who have wither been completely killed in action or simply damaged at time beyond repair - is the subject of this powerful film THE MESSENGER written (with Alessandro Camon) and directed by Oren Moverman. It follows the lives and post engagement assignments of two men fulfilling their obligations to the government by taking the roles of notifying the next of kin at the earliest possible hour after the death of a soldier is verified.The 'all business' Col. Stuart Dorsett (a powerful portrayal by Eamonn Walker) in forms the newly returned home Staff Sargeant Will Montgomery (Ben Foster, in one of his most sensitive roles of his career) that despite his physical traumas he is nursing he has been assigned a Casualty Notification Officer and will be taught the ropes by ex-alcoholic Captain Tony Stone (Woody Harelson, a finely nuanced and controlled performance). The two bond, share past experiences (Will has just been ditched by his girl Kelly - Jena Malone, etc) and begin the learning process of notifying the next of kin. What follows is the spectrum of anguish and crushing agony played by actors Steve Buscemi, Yaya DaCosta, Portia, Lisa Joyce, et al and the effect of the encounters is blisteringly brutal. The Will and Tony deliver the news to on Olivia Pitterson (Samantha Morton) whose failing marriage to her now deceased husband makes her reception of the news outlined with dignity. This incident makes a deep impression on Will and a relationship develops between these two needy people, one that is completely forbidden by military code. How Will and Tony deal with this miserable job and how it affects both of them is the run of the film.The film is tough to watch, so gut-wrenching is the subject matter, yet director Oren Moverman guides the film with restraint, ably assisted by the actors whose performances are all of outstanding quality, and this 'quiet' manner in which he unravels this story makes it just that much more tough to digest. If more people would watch this film hopefully there would be more attention paid to the madness of war. It is an important lesson, perfectly delivered. Grady Harp, May 10

Michael O'Keefe 2012-05-20 20:13:51

A poignant military tale.

Oren Moverman directs this emotional and heartfelt military drama. Sgt.Will Montgomery(Ben Foster)returns from Iraq as a battle-wounded hero.He is short-time in his career and assigned to partner up with a rigid"lifer" Capt. Tony Stone(Woody Harrelson)to notify families of killedsoldiers. Both men have different views of this job's importance. Atfirst, the two were at odds; but find common ground in this service ofthe Army. One major rule is to not "put hands" on a family member.Montgomery's life will take an emotional turn after breaking this onerule. Harrelson is outstanding in this movie and Samantha Morton, asOlivia, a grieving widow, for me practically steals the movie. This maynot be her most attractive look, but she is so charming and perfectlysuited for her role. Also in the cast: Steve Buscemi, Jena Malone,Eamonn Walker and Lisa Joyce.

2012-05-12 00:46:54

Boring

It is a 15 minute story stretched into 118 minutes of sheer boredom. So boring that I started skipping through the last half of the movie. Glad I streamed it instead of buying. Definitely goes into my "never again" list.

2012-05-11 13:05:42

Better than expected.

The Messenger starring Woody Harrleson and Ben Foster is a harrowing and realistic film about two war veterans who form an unlikely bond. Harrleson was nominated for an Oscar for this film, he's the kind of actor that really goes out on a limb with each performance. This is the first film I have seen with Ben Foster and wow what an amazing actor! His raw emotions and facial expressions are both profound and heartbreaking. I really enjoyed this film even though the subject matter is difficult to take here and there.

Steve Hunter 2012-05-11 07:12:05

Thoughtful But Does Not Moralize

Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster give us a military buddy movie that is filled with humor, pain and two men who form a strange but strong bond. Harrelson plays a career military man who has developed an ironclad approach and armor in delivering death notices to the family of military killed in action. Ben Foster, himself recently returning from a deployment in Iraq has sustained an eye injury. Ben is not equipped emotionally or with the experience to deal with delivering death messages. The Harrelson character tries to guide Foster in maintaining an air or detachment but Foster becomes emotionally involved with one of the war widows. The film is not about war but the aftermath of slowly reintegrating into life back in the states. It is not preachy and does not attempt to defend or attack the Iraq war. The performances are superb., the script well written and directed.

2012-05-10 11:42:51

The worst years of our lives

Well, it took long enough. Someone has finally made a film that gets the harrowing national nightmare of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars right. Infused with sharp writing, smart and unobtrusive direction and compelling performances, "The Messenger" is one of those insightful observations of the human condition that quietly sneaks up and really gets inside you, staying with you long after the credits roll. First-time director Owen Moverman and co-writer Alessandro Camon not only bring the war(s) home, but they then proceed to march up your driveway and deposit in on your doorstep. Quite literally.Knock, knock."The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your (son, daughter, husband, wife) (died/was killed in action) in (country/state) on (date). The Secretary extends his deepest sympathy to you and your family in your tragic loss."Those are words that no one ever wants to hear, and I can't imagine any job in the world that could possibly be any worse than being the person assigned to deliver that message. "There's no such thing as a satisfied customer," deadpans Casualty Notification Officer Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson) to his new apprentice, Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery (Ben Foster), who is emotionally shattered by his virgin encounter with bereaved "NOK". Sgt. Montgomery is a decorated, recently returned Iraq War vet whose enlistment is almost up. Although he accepts this one last thankless assignment with the stoic obedience expected from a professional soldier, he appears to privately suffer from PTSD; a condition that makes an odd bedfellow with his new responsibilities. Stone is a hardass, a cynical careerist who carries a fair share of personal baggage himself. When he bluntly asks Montgomery if he is "a head case" right after meeting him, you suspect that this may be a case of "it takes one to know one". Stone (and Harrelson's portrayal) is reminiscent of SM1 Buddusky, Jack Nicholson's character in "The Last Detail". In fact, there is a lot about this film that reminds me of those episodic, naturalistic character studies that directors like Hal Ashby and Bob Rafaelson used to turn out back in the 70s; giving their actors plenty of room to breathe and inhabit their characters in a very real and believable manner. A subplot involving a relationship between Montgomery and a recently widowed Army wife (Samantha Morton) strongly recalled one of my all-time favorite sleepers from that particular era and style of filmmaking, Mark Rydell's "Cinderella Liberty" (worth seeking out, if you have never seen it, BTW). Although the filmmakers hold back from making any overt political statements, the notification scenes in the film say it all-we continue to ship scores of young American men and women overseas whole of limb and spirit, and return many of them home sans either or both (or in a box)...and for what justifiable reason, exactly? And as heartbreaking, gut-wrenching and hard to watch as these scenes are-I am sure they pale in comparison to the agony of those families and loved ones who have answered the door and received that news for real. I would challenge anyone who feels we "need" to dig ourselves in deeper into our present Middle East quagmire(s) to watch this film, reassess the justifications, and get back to me. Go. I'll wait.

2012-05-10 11:38:56

A serious film about a serious subject

Now playing on cable, this 2009 film held my interest, saddened me and showed me a point of view I had never thought of before -- that of the soldiers whose job it is to inform the next of kin that their loved ones are dead. This is a serious film about a serious subject and it is all done with a sensitivity that makes it all too real. The film stars Ben Foster as an American soldier wounded in Iraq who has just been released from the hospital and has a few months left to serve out his term of enlistment. His new assignment partners him with career officer Woody Harrelson, (who won an Academy Award nomination for this performance). He teaches Foster the ropes of how to deal with their uncomfortable and important assignment. It is their job to personally deliver their sad message to the next of kin in person before the death has been made public. They show up at the person's place of residence. Often, just their presence is message enough. But sometimes they have to spell it out. It is always a heartbreaking experience. And it takes a toll on the messengers as well.Harrelson is a fast talking loudmouth recovering alcoholic; Foster has not quite recovered from his emotional and physical wounds which include eye problems. Together they form a bond and, as the film progresses, their back stories come out. Foster's former girlfriend has left him for another man. Harrelson talks a lot of military talk but there is doubt that his exploits really happened. And Foster finds himself attracted to a young widow with a child who he has just informed that her husband is dead. Little my little the plot becomes more complex and the characterizations deepen. Although the film is quite depressing, it makes some important points. I enjoyed it with the one criticism that it dragged on just a wee bit too long for my taste.

2012-05-10 03:06:10

Downer topic low budget going nowhere movie

Having served in the military I was unsure of how a "downer topic" would make for a good story. This low budget movie had a couple of Oscar nominations but the dialogue and banter between the three main characters was limited and spermatic. Both had issues they were dealing with but those issues, I feel, could have been developed with detailed flashbacks before returning to the main slow paced story drifting to nowhere. The wedding rehearsal ruined any sympathy I have for the Sergeant-hero and the Captain's attitude and demeanor caused me to write him off early in the story. Basically a downer movie with a downer topic with limited story and so so acting.

kosmasp 2012-05-06 15:31:42

Study

This movie seems to depict a particular job very specific (if you readthe storyline you know what I mean, for all the others who don't wantto read spoilers, I will leave it to you to find out for yourself) andvery clearly. Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster are really great in amovie with a slow pace.Apart from the slow pace, you will also notice that it shot almost likea documentary. The two main actors have a good vibe going on and theirinteraction is always great. The unlikely pair work phenomenallytogether. Some of the stories told seem to be true and the matter ishandled very carefully. Whether you like the movie or not, will dependon whether you think the story has enough material to be told. I likedit

Ruby Liang 2012-05-06 06:04:08

Earnest, thoughtful tribute to our troops: 'The Messenger' courageously reinforces hopeful life after combat, in spite of insurmountable hurdles and grief.

Writer-director Oren Moverman, with co-writer & producer AlessandroCamon's "The Messenger" is in my top ten 2009 films. It warrants equalviewing and attention as Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal's "The HurtLocker" - the other courageous, earnest & thoughtful film with warpremise. Both pay tribute to our troops. "The Hurt Locker" is visuallyexplosive, "The Messenger" is, you might say, quietly 'explosive' fromwithin. How can it not be: the role and responsibilities of a military'casualty notification officer' must be one of the hardest job onearth. It's sobering and quickly builds character - to regainhopefulness to 'life goes on', it begs cultivation of warm humanconnections and sharing of lovingness to counter the unspeakablelooming grief. Director Moverman co-wrote the script from his ownmilitary experiences without "Hollywood" (overly dramatic) sentiments.The film rings true and worthily embraced by our soldiers.The Messenger is Ben Foster, who thoroughly inhabits Staff Sgt. WillMontgomery. Definitely a strong and nuance performance that merits aMUST-SEE (best actor nominations or not - Ben Foster indisputably gavehis ever-intense yet quietly powerful, sensitive delivery of anotherwell-researched role to-date). Of course, with Samantha Morton andWoody Harrelson in supporting roles to match and fuel the tension andemotional 'explosions' - silently appealing in the former as widowOlivia Pitterson and somberly exhilarating with touches of humor in thelatter as Captain Tony Stone. Both Morton and Harrelson deservinglyreceived best supporting nominations, as well as for best screenplayand best first feature recognition by 2010 Independent Spirit Awards.Talented Jena Malone is in a small but important role as Will's girlfriend Kelly (maturing before our eyes, a bold nudity segment includedon screen)."The Messenger" is hard medicine, no maybe or but about the subject of'casualty notification', military or not. Life does go on as we come toaccept 'death' being a part of life's cycle as 'birth' - humanconnections can bridge the gap and fill the void. This essentialhopefulness towards the surviving family members, fellow soldiers,friends and partners is the driving force - strengthened in thisearnest and thoughtful tribute of a film to our troops, and humanity &life in broader context.Kudos to Oscilloscope Pictures and the producers for standing by thevision of releasing this film. Moverman's skillful direction of hisscript with Camon, and the gifted ensemble cast of Foster, Harrelsonand Morton with Malone, is simply fortunate for us, film lovers andAmericans - spot the American flag included in the film title logo:representing the first 'E' in " MESSENGER". God bless our troops andeveryone. See it and you'll appreciate "The Messenger." Note: For in-depth production notes, Press Packet is accessible under"Acclaim" section, at the official site "themessengermovie.com".

doglady-43-644581 2012-05-05 12:42:35

Touching Story but not true

The Messenger is a touching Story and I have always been a fan of WoodyH. But, I checked with a friend who handles this type of thing in themilitary and was informed that notification of death is not handledthat way. Three persons(one is a Chaplain) notify the next of kin andare part of the team that counsels the family and helps with thearrangements for the next six months or so. So, the notification teamsonly have to notify of a death once every six months, not daily like itwas portrayed in the movie. The movie also portrayed the militaryprotocol as sterile and insensitive which is also not true. The cost ofwar is tragic, but unfortunately, freedom is not free. I wish the moviehad touched more on the bravery and commitment of our soldiers.

mars p 2012-05-05 00:48:30

One of the Years MUST SEE's

I agree with one of the previous user ratings, when they stated it was OSCAR WORTH>> The story, combined with the acting...Goes so Deep...It will move the hardest /coldest heart. An interesting observation that i made as well as another user /review was that many people in the audience at several times during the movie were moved to tears.. This movie is Deep, Well worth the money and i as well am going to buy it on DVD when it comes out.You will be seeing this movie for an Oscar Nomination.

agustin 2012-05-03 22:38:03

The Message is Sent

It might be like 20th movie this decade to come forth from the problematic war in Iraq, but even as it is around the subject of such a recent war, it pulls away from the fire and plays out on its own terms. Officer Will Montgomery (Ben Foster) is re-assigned to serve the remainder of his time in the military as the army's Casualty Notification Officer. His mentor Anthony is a bitter and cold individual that shows him the ropes. Along the way, Will struggles with his own existence as he breaks the terrible news to complete strangers of their loved one's death. This is a gutwrenching movie that is tough as nails, but tender with genuine sentiment that you fight for in watching the movie to earn those moments. I love that it isn't a classic black and white movie; there are many shades of gray in between. I never liked a straight forward movie with a stripped down set of characters as "plain as Jane," sort of speak, to toil with. This movie delevers and indeed, the message is sent.

NewSkol 2012-05-03 07:05:23

An often overlooked movie that you will remember...

With the amount of highly popular and good movies that came out in2009, this one, it seems, got lost. Which is unfair, as this is abrilliant movie, deserving a lot more Oscar nominations and wins.Especially when it comes to the superb acting and a very powerfuldirecting.In fact, I can not even compare it to the more popular and Oscarcrushing movie - The Hurt Locker. In my opinion, the two do not evenstand close. In the Hurt Locker, I felt like taking a nap somewhere inthe middle, this movie on the other hand kept me hooked and I could notstop thinking about it for days after I saw it. It is beyond mycomprehension why this movies is so underrated, except for maybebrilliant marketing and high budgets of other movies of 2009.Despite this fact, the team behind this movie has managed to createsomething truly real. The characters are fully developed and the actingis amazing. This movie touches you one a very real level, you feel aconnection, you understand what the characters are trying to tell you.This is not some made-up story to get Oscars or a movie made simply forthe money, it is something more. Something which is often missing inmovies of our time, its hard to think of a word to describe it, but inlack of a better term I am going to say its got a soul.It would be interesting to see what people of this profession thinkabout the movie, and war veterans in general. In any case, this afantastic movie to see, think about and remember.

2012-05-03 02:01:22

Must see!

I am not a Ben Foster fan but this film may have changed that. Woody Harrelson was top notch! The film is about officers in charge of notification to next of kin of the deaths of Solders. It was sad, moving but at times funny thanks to Harrelson :) I would highly recommend this film. With all of the films out there today about the war I liked this second to The Hurt Locker.

chicagopoetry 2012-05-02 07:54:51

Not Quite Hurt Locker, But Close

The premise of this drama slash near tear jerker is that a guy in thearmy with three months left to serve gets assigned to the nasty task ofhaving to be the one who goes around informing parents that their sonsand daughters have died in the war in Iraq. And he has to do it withveteran bad news messenger Woody Harrelson. Good premise.Unfortunately, unlike Hurt Locker, which also concentrated on amilitary job, the job itself is unfortunately sort of abandoned midwaythrough the movie and more concentration is given to a go nowherepotential love affair and a long alcoholic night of debauchery thatslightly reminds of The Last Detail but that doesn't deliver as muchtension. Scenes go on way too long and nothing much happens at all inThe Messenger, but nevertheless, somehow, a poignant and interestingfilm prevails. Look for drama, not action, in this war movie.