The Messenger ****
Without sounding like Trainspotting’s Renton, writer/director Oren Moverman and co-writer Alessandro Camon’s poignant new drama, The Messenger, is about ‘choosing life’. But it’s not enough to simply be alive; you need to have a purpose, too – something anyone can relate to. The unique situation dealt with in the much delayed film – originally completed in 2099 – about two military officers (played by Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson) tasked with telling loved ones about a fallen soldier is thankfully not an environment most have to encounter. That said if, like this author, you are a Forces’ NoK (Next of Kin), the full impact of the story hits home like a cold, sobering shock.
Given the task of notifying loved ones of those killed in action, decorated and injured ‘war hero’ Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery (Foster) is less than pleased with his new peace-time assignment, and even less so to be on call, 24/7, with brash and unpredictable Captain Tony Stone (Harrelson), who seems to have given up the ghost on life and any expectations in his career. The two form an unlikely bond during the course of their generally thankless duty, where they are often abused by relatives, a bond which is threatened when the Staff Sergeant grows fond of a widow, Olivia (Samantha Morton), who the pair recently informed of her husband’s death – and leading to Montgomery breaking a rule of not getting involved. As the only two who can fully understand the daily stress of their duty, Montgomery and Stone gain strength from each other.
It’s clear to see why The Messenger attracted nominations at this year’s Oscars, with Harrelson up for Best Supporting Actor, but sadly, losing out to Bale for The Fighter. The outstanding casting of Harrelson alongside Foster gives a lesson in subtle acting genius. Theirs is a powerhouse performance full of tragic comic undertones while looking at the psychological effects of war in an original storytelling manner of an unlikely and sentimental ‘bromance’. Admittedly, the testosterone-fuelled bitterness kicks in at rebellious moments, but the rest of the treatment is respectful and deeply moving, showing different sides to the usual military film affair.
The admiration for Foster’s work grows with every role he adopts, and it’s a shame this film wasn’t released earlier than 2011 to acknowledge his talent in the industry’s awards. Foster portrays mentally-tortured Montgomery with as much affection and zest for life as the part permits, never allowing him to become a post-combat casualty like his colleague and friend, Stone, but constantly searching for inspiration. In a sense, though grave in subject matter, his journey is wonderfully enlightening and hope-filled, allowing both men an ounce of redemption for any ‘sins’ they feel they have inflicted, and for both actors to inject some humour into their situation.
The weakest link, if there was one to gripe about it, seems to be the casting of talented actress Morton – herself from a military background – as Army widow Olivia. Morton fails to fully translate the plethora of emotions Olivia would be dealing with to get to the point where she is ready to stand on her own two feet. That’s not to say Morton is not compelling at times, such as her unspoken chemistry in intimate moments with Foster in the film that are scintillating to witness. But Olivia feels lacking in development, and too quick to heal, rather than coming across as the sensitive type Moverman and Camo probably planned to convey. She seems quietly calculating, but with a sweet exterior, therefore, our empathy with her sad situation is less than it should be, and Morton’s efforts appear somewhat in vain. Admittedly, Captain Stone snidely mentions Olivia’s remarkable recovery so soon after her husband’s death, so misconstruing her actions is intentional in the script – just not satisfactorily explored.
Like their characters that ironically achieve a sense of pride and contribution through a begrudging purpose of national duty, Foster and Harrelson should also feel a sense of great achievement in making The Messenger – as should Moverman who has a flare for directing that needs further encouraged. Let’s hope his latest project, Rampart, that stars both actors once more, and is about another person in service trying to make his mark, lives up to even greater expectations.
4/5 stars
By @FilmGazer
WATCH THE UK TRAILER HERE
