Movies

In the Valley of Elah

"In the Valley of Elah" tells the story of a war veteran (Tommy Lee Jones), his wife (Susan Sarandon) and the search for their son, a soldier who recently returned from Iraq but has mysteriously gone missing, and the police detective (Charlize Theron) who helps in the investigation.



Paul Haggis directs from his original screenplay based on a story by Mark Boal and Haggis. This will be Haggis' directing follow-up to the Academy Award-winning "Crash." In addition to the Oscar-winning screenplay for "Crash"; his recent writing credits include the award-winning "Million Dollar Baby," for which he received an Academy Award-nomination for Best Screenplay, and current releases "The Last Kiss," "Flags of Our Fathers," "Casino Royale" and "Letters From Iwo Jima."



The film is produced by Paul Haggis, Larry Becsey, Patrick Wachsberger, Steve Samuels and Darlene Caamano Loquet. A Summit Entertainment and Samuels Media presentation in association with Nala Films and Blackfriars Bridge.



Written and Directed by: Paul Haggis



Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron, Susan Sarandon, Jason Patric



This film is Rated R.

Books

Murder in Baker Company
Cillia McCain

Although the movie "In The Valley of Elah" is fiction, it is a powerful film that will hopefully inspire the American people to not only seek the truth about the deceptions behind the Iraq War, but to be aware of the emotional issues our troops are dealing with. Although known by many names in the past, PTSD, as it's now called, is more prevalent than at any other time in human history. We have to ask ourselves why? Seeking the answer to this very simple question should lead us to look at the overall problems associated with this particular war.


Lowering of recruitment standards, crime, gang violence, chaotic planning and war atrocities are at the heart of the increase in the number of PTSD cases being reported. These current conditions are prevalent in the Iraq war and spreading like a disease. Our honorable men and women are being exposed to it. We have to cure this disease, but in order to do so we must go after the disease itself, not just the symptoms it produces. PTSD is a symptom.


Violent criminals with gang ties and prior mental health problems were allowed to serve and they killed Richard Davis. The true circumstances of his murder involves every corrupt and evil mechanism behind this war. As the very first Baker Company soldier killed, his case should serve as a beacon for people who want to make things right and bring our troops home from this illegal war.


Richard's murder inspired Paul Haggis to explore what this war is doing to our soldiers. From that exploration, In The Valley Of Elah was born. The details of Richard's complex story were not available until three years after his death. But it will be revealed in the upcoming book by Cilla McCain, titled Murder in Baker Company. The importance of letting the country know the true story, is not lost on Elah producers Paul Haggis and Larry Becsey. They care very much about exposing this tragedy for what it is and have offered their help in creating a documentary based on McCain's research. The planning is currently underway.

Feedback, submissions, ideas? Email jenlapuz@charter.net