Does Woody Harrelson, currently in theaters in the box-office-topping, crowd-and-critic-pleasing comedy Zombieland, get the credit he deserves for the range he shows on film? The Messenger looks like it will be a solid reminder. Harrelson and Ben Foster (3:10 to Yuma) star as men with the unenviable job of informing military families their loves ones have died. “I’ve never cried harder in another person’s arms than Woody Harrelson’s,” Foster said in EW’s Fall Movie Preview issue. The movie isn’t a war film, he insisted. “Saying ‘I’m sorry to inform you…’ is a universal exercise. We’re all going to keep getting that call, or making that call. It has nothing to do with war.”
True, but the image of a man in uniform outside a door is a powerful one that hits you in the stomach whether or not you’ve ever loved someone serving. And who hasn’t wondered what goes through that man’s mind as he makes that walk, knocks, then waits (watch Harrelson’s hands), what rules he sets for himself, and who tempts him to break them (Samantha Morton, in Foster’s case)?
You had me at Willie’s Amazing Grace
Wow! I think Ben Foster is an amazing actor, and this clip looks like Woody and Ben did an incredible job together. I will definitely be seeing this.
Yeah, Woody Harrelson is an amazingly versatile actor. He can do drama, action, and comedy in equal measure. I guess the only real thing that keeps him off the A-list is that for a handsome-actor-type, he looks more like a regular guy than your Cruises, Pitts, Laws, etc., which is not a bad thing, really.
Wow. This goes on the must see list.
…and now I’m getting choked up at work. Thanks, Mandi! This movie looks intense.
This movie looks intense – will definitely watch this. It reminds me a little of Hurt Locker, which was a very good movie.
I wish I could accurately convey the way that small clip just made me feel. Powerful stuff man, can’t wait to watch this entire film.
As an army brat who’s dad served in Vietnam, one of the most striking shots in the trailer was one where the Moms seem to guard their children at the sight of the messengers. Hits home.
This film was amazing. I was moved by the powerful acting and captivated by the quiet poetry of the cinematography. I will definitely watch this again.