In the Valley of Elah

(USA, 2007, 121 minutes)

A retired military veteran investigates why his soldier son, newly returned from Iraq, has been cruelly murdered outside his base. Spare, effective mystery that devolves quietly into a shimmering, downbeat meditation on modern America, carried by austere handling and a stunning lead performance.

Summit Entertainment and SMC present, in association with Warner Independent Pictures and Nala Films, a Blackfriar's Bridge production. Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Charlize Theron; James Franco, Jonathan Tucker, Frances Fisher, Josh Brolin; and Susan Sarandon. Directed by Paul Haggis; produced by Patrick Wachsberger, Steven Samuels, Darlene Caamaño Loquet, Paul Haggis, Laurence Becsey; screenplay by Paul Haggis, from a story by Mark Boal and Paul Haggis; music by Mark Isham; director of photography (Technicolor prints, widescreen), Roger Deakins; production designer, Laurence Bennett; costume designer, Lisa Jensen; film editor, Jo Francis.