Looks like Iraq is still being tested by Hollywood as a source of stories for films with the latest The Messenger, which tells the tale of an Army Officer who has the job of notifying relatives that their family member has been killed.

The story from Empire got that far and I was interested. My mind started exploring the possibilities of where this film could go and what they could exploit of the characters emotional turmoil, and perhaps struggling with guilt of being safe while his colleagues fight so far away.

Then I was stopped in my tracks by the short statement...

His job is thrown into questionable ethical territory when he becomes involved with a trooper’s widow.

Well done Hollywood, pull one out of the stock plot box why don't you.

It's interesting that although there are a few films in development about Iraq, and we're even seeing a TV series, Hollywood haven't yet decided to go all out for it and start plundering the recent wars for material. They're quite content with videogames and comic books at the moment.

Still, this latest just seemed to kill any mystique it was carrying quite quickly.