The film “The Messenger” represents the directional debut of Oren Moverman, an Israeli screenwriter and former journalist. Although the producers of “The Messenger” thought about Ben Affleck, Sydney Pollack, and Roger Michell of being perfect for directing the film, the various talks and conversations fell through. Consequently, the producers eventually decided to ask Oren Moverman if he is interested in taking the lead of “The Messenger” – and he agreed to helm the film.
The production of “The Messenger” required the close and detailed work in collaboration with the United States Army and the Walter Reed Medical Center. Strictly speaking the filmmakers of “The Messenger” were asked to conduct research on military life. Everything – every scene, every dialogue and conversation had to correspond to the true life within the army. Moreover, the filmmakers and producers as well as the actors, especially the protagonists Ben Foster, Jena Malone, Woody Harrelson and Samantha Morton, were specifically advised and instructed by Lieutenant Colonel Paul Sinor who worked as a technical consultant.
The film is currently characterized to hold a so-called Certified Fresh rating of 90 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes which is a film review aggregator. This rating is actually based on 94 reviews. On the platform MetaCritic “The Messenger” holds a rating of 76 per cent. This result is based on 27 reviews. Leading actor and chief character Woody Harrelson was nominated for a Golden Globe and an Oscar in the category “Best Supporting Actor”.
Film critics on “The Messenger” by “Film-Dienst”: A soldier has to spend the last few months of his time during the Iraq war on the “home front” and assist a supervisor in informing relatives about the death of their loved ones. The film presents a painful and intense examination with the collateral damage of war and the convincing psychological portrait of two soldiers who will not return to peaceful normality.