In the Valley of Elah
Film Title (Original): In the Valley of Elah
Film Title (English): In the Valley of Elah
Film Title (Spanish):In the Valley of Elah
Country of Origin: Bolivia, Argentina, USA
Year of Completition: 2007
Running Time: 124 minutes
Format/Color/BW: 35mm, Color
Language : English
 Director: Rory Kennedy | Biography | Watch Trailer
Film Synopsis - Short:
When model soldier Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) mysteriously goes missing, shortly after returning to the U.S. from the front lines in Iraq, his career officer father Hank (Tommy Lee Jones), enlists the aid of police detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron) in the search for his son. His wife Joan (Susan Sarandon) also joins them to uncover the truth of his disappearance. Written and directed by Paul Haggis ("Crash"). Inspired by Mark Boal's Playboy Magazine article.
Film Synopsis - Long:
In the Valley of Elah marks director Paul Haggis’s second film after his Academy Award-winning Crash. This time Haggis is turning his attention to the effects of the Iraq war on its returning veterans and their families. It is an enthralling story based on actual events surrounding the disappearance of a young American soldier who was stationed in Iraq.
When model soldier Mike Deerfield (Jonathan Tucker) mysteriously goes AWOL, shortly after returning to the U.S. from the front lines in Iraq, his career officer father Hank (Tommy Lee Jones), enlists the aid of police detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron) in the search for his son. His wife Joan (Susan Sarandon) also joins them to uncover the truth of his disappearance. Soon they discover that Mike has been murdered
during a night in town with the members of his former platoon. When puzzling details are revealed about the shell-shocked young soldier’s last night alive, the family and friends. are only left with a sense of incomprehension faced with the absurdity of life.
Named for the storied location of the Biblical battle between David and Goliath, In the Valley of Elah resonates with the hopes and fears of a generation that feels itself caught in a fight it cannot possibly win.
Film Credits
Director: Paul Haggis
Producers: Laurence Becsey, Paul Haggis, Patrick Wachsberger,
Steven Samuels, Darlene Caamano
Screenwriter: Paul Haggis
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Editing: Jo Francis
Music: Mark Isham
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon,
James Franco, Jonathan Tucker
Film History/Prizes:
2007 Venice Film Festival, 2007 Toronto International Film Festival, 2007 San Sebastian Film Festival, Closing Night – Abu Dhabi Film Festival
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