Valkyrie

In a move to return to audacious filmmaking, Tom Cruise invites audiences to this most recent film, "Valkyrie." This period piece film is Tom Cruise’s first headlining performance following supporting performances in "Lions for Lambs" and "Tropic Thunder." Now, as a result, audiences are introduced to a more committed Tom Cruise…a very different Cruise from what we have observed in his recent work. Sure, Cruise has handled his previous acting endeavors with perseverance; but, with the film, Valkyrie, we become re-acquainted with an actor who has literally toned down his on screen presence. It seems the “eye of the tiger” has returned and we see an actor (acting as one) who’s nabbed his first starring role and knows there is no turning back. Directed by renowned filmmaker Bryan Singer, most recognized for his directing work on "The Usual Suspects" and "Superman Returns," "Valkyrie" unfolds the true story of a failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler…an attempt which was orchestrated by internal members of his own World War II army.

"Valkyrie" has to be one of the most profound World War II films I’ve observed within the conventional Hollywood offerings. Typically audiences are not granted an opportunity in which they are “allowed” to witness a perspective of war from “the other side”…especially when the “other side” is a factual account of the German army. In many such films, Germans are presented as blunt instruments possessing nothing but sheer malevolence and strict adherence to an ill conceived script. This was obviously not the case in the presentation of this particular film.

The film itself is not a conventional World War II effort. The film is fundamentally based on a heavy profusion of thrills, and provides an, often not seen, detail of the impact of war on culture…especially the impact of the inner soul of those who fought and the many that lost their lives on the battle fields. The fact that this film is more of a thriller ultimately enhances its appeal. Of course the fact that, once again, Tom Cruise displays his taste for films that stray from being of the norm or common variety adds to the film’s overall attractiveness.

The film is a dignified effort and, that goes without saying, as with Cruise films such an effort can generally be expected. The film is supported by great acting, and directing and the inclusion of the pulse pounding thrills. However, the film’s opening scene does leave audiences questioning its direction. That said, it is understandable that the film’s first act was intended to set up the basis as to the rationale and purpose for the motivation among certain members of the German army to assassinate Hitler. Unfortunately, it is too bad that the first act could not have been as profound and intricate as the overall film. Once the assassination attempt strategy is set into motion, the film really advances as a thriller with beating pulse…and holds the audiences uncompromising attention.

"Valkyrie" engulfs our attention on a select group of people who set out to do what they believe is necessary against a leader to whom, at one time, they pledged their undying honor and support. Their protracted goal of securing a culture and a country was ultimately not achieved and, in the end, their overall failure was devastating. The film did remind audiences that people will often follow a leader, even though they do not, in any way, subscribe to the leader’s personal philosophies and beliefs. Ultimately, "Valkyrie" reminds us that an inner circle of good and righteousness can even live in those in whom we would least expect…even in times of war.