2009, USA
Drama, War
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Extended version:
War is made of many parts, from the reasons for initial conflict, to stories from the battlefield, to the incongruity of life once soldiers return home. The Messenger tackles the hardship of the small, terrible moment when a family member is notified that a soldier has died at war -- from the unique perspective of the notification team.
Oren Moverman makes his directorial debut after a writing career including thoughtful indie films Jesus' Son, Married Life and the Bob Dylan biopic remix, I'm Not There. Unlike the latter film, The Messenger focuses on one small but important moment, rather than becoming distracted by side stories. However, it simultaneously acknowledges that although the notifiers are supposed to perform their duties with professionalism and detachment, each family they confront has a distinct story where the consequences of the tragedy will ripple differently.
Ben Foster stars as Army Staff Sergeant Will Montgomery, a decorated Iraqi War hero who lives a somewhat Spartan and solitary existence. With only three months left to serve, he is unexpectedly paired with Captain Tony Stone, leader of a Casualty Notification team and played with careful dignity by Woody Harrelson.
Upon meeting, Stone immediately lists the rules of the post, which include the ability to maintain composure when faced with extreme emotional responses and the power to hold a distance from the informed -- no hugs or reassuring pats allowed. Their duties are difficult enough without the messiness of becoming involved with the human factor.
Montgomery proves he is made of strong stuff, but only barely. With situations that range from a pregnant girlfriend who must wait for the soldier's mother to return to officially hear the news, to a father (Steve Buscemi in a small but powerful role) who reacts violently, there is no perfect situation. Even when a wife, Olivia (Samantha Morton), graciously thanks them and sympathizes with their hard task, Stone assumes she must have been cheating on her husband while Montgomery becomes moved by her composure.
There are no grandly dramatic scenes in this film. The most touching moments arise from the small and awkward connections that occur when two characters realize that it is easier to survive together, holding each other up for support and comfort, even if their individual needs are never fully acknowledged. Despite his unethical obsession with Olivia, Montgomery becomes a sweet distraction for her as she reassesses her new single-mother life. And despite his initial standoffishness with Stone, Montgomery becomes a much needed confidant for a man whose only friend seems to be his AA sponsor.
Politics are subtly ambiguous in The Messenger. The soldiers are proud, but the consequences are dire. Stone believes that all military funerals should be broadcast, but his reasoning is that he believes the public is blindly ignorant of the worst case scenarios from war. War and death go hand in hand; this is merely factual. The people left standing must recognize the chance to create new bonds, to become human again at home as humanity destroys itself on the battlefield.