In the Valley of Elah is another film in a long line of anti-Iraq war movies which dominated the multiplexes in 2007. The title refers to a story in the Old Testament where David battled against Goliath, which writer/director Paul Haggis uses as a metaphor.

The plot concerns conservative Vietnam veteran Hank Deerfield (Tommy Lee Jones) who takes it upon himself to investigate his son’s disappearance and subsequent murder, just days after returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. Also on the case in police Detective Emily Sanders (Charlize Theron), a single mother usually delegated inadequate cases and on the receiving end of sexist jibes from her colleagues. Both Hank and Emily must contend with the might of the U.S. Military, who want the case for themselves.

Essentially, In the Valley of Elah is a boring murder mystery overshadowed by its anti-Iraq observations.

It is based on the true story of Iraq veteran Richard Davis, who was murdered after returning from a tour of duty in 2003. It is one of a number of tragic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder stories which Haggis exploits to preach his left wing ideals, as story is sacrificed for soap box politics. As it plods along with heavy footsteps, Haggis treads a fine line between hypocrisy and self imposed patriotism; it tries to be anti-military, yet pro troops, but Haggis cannot have it both ways. All it feels like is leftist propaganda disguised as social commentary.

The films weakest element is found within Charlize Theron’s Detective Sanders, who (although played well by the Oscar winning actress) comes off so annoyingly smug, one sided, and self righteous that it is hard to feel any empathy for her. What was needed was a character to counter balance her ideals, yet all there is left (with the exception of Hank Deerfield) are a number of under written caricatures wasted upon a talented ensemble cast, which includes Jason Patric, Josh Brolin, and Susan Sarandon.

The film is kept afloat thanks to Tommy Lee Jones’ stellar performance, as the no nonsense actor who has made a career playing no nonsense characters shines in his most subdued role thus far, inhabiting his character with meticulous precision. Also, cinematographer Roger Deakins – who is having a phenomenal year – is also on trop form.

The films predictable and hammy finale confirms the suspicion that In the Valley of Elah is nothing more than left wing propaganda, Oscar baiting film. It tries to come off as a new The Deer Hunter or Coming Home, yet it just does not have the performances, direction, or emotion to back it up. Really, this film is just another casualty in the Iraq war.