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The Good Shepherd
Directed by: Robert De Niro
Starring: Matt Damon
Genre:
Drama
Run Time: 167 min.
Release Date:
December 2006
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
It’s amazing that this film
is so highly regarded, especially since we have Matt Damon as the lead
character. Damon isn’t known for his exciting acting abilities (with the
exception of GOOD WILL HUNTING which I consider his
quasi-breakout role). He’s established himself as Jason Bourne in the
BOURNE IDENTITY franchise, but that doesn’t take much acting ability
and is almost purely a physical job. His character in the OCEAN’S
series just seems to go through the motions. He’s had limited
success in films like SAVING PRIVATE RYAN and THE DEPARTED.
I say “limited” because it was the other characters and screenplay that
brought him recognition more than his own abilities (try imagining
Saving Private Ryan without Tom Hanks or The Departed without
Leonardo DiCaprio and you’ll see what I mean.) So I wasn’t drawn to this
flick simply because I knew Damon was our main man. But I was
wonderfully surprised.
Damon was the perfect choice for this role, and that isn’t necessarily a
compliment. His portrayal of Edward Wilson is flat, ineffectual, and
unremarkable, just like the character was supposed to be. Just like many
of Damon’s previous portrayals. It is this absurd, unemotional character
that drives the entire film, and thanks to director/actor Robert
DeNiro’s relentless pursuit of this movie (it was his pet project for
over ten years) we have a gem.
Beginning with Robert Kennedy’s disastrous Bay of Pigs debacle, the film
shows Ed Wilson (Damon) trying to overcome an American/Cuban historical
event that many find shameful. The CIA had a leak somewhere that blew
the entire assault, and Wilson has to find out who and how. It will take
him back to the very beginnings of the CIA, pre-WWII, and then slowly
catch up to the1960's.
Battling the Cold War with a very worthy Russian opponent, Ed must come
to grips with the death of his father (who was an OSS spy in WWI), the
loveless relationship with his wife (played by Angelina Jolie), and what
he’s prepared to do for his son (Eddi Redmayne) when he learns of
ignorant betrayal from within.
The film really looks at the development of the CIA, how it came to be,
what spying is really like (not James Bond-ish), and one
man’s unwavering support for his country. Dark corners are everywhere,
including Ed Wilson’s own home. Life and business blur. Separating the
man from the mission becomes impossible. A panoply of scenes greets each
moment of Ed’s life, from the shadowy corners of Post-WWII Berlin to the
recesses of his home sanctuary. It’s an incredible display with truly
gripping photography and a frightening descent into the world of phantom
spies.
A powerhouse cast graces the screen, with fine performances from such
greats as John Turturro (THIRTEEN
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ONE THING), Joe Pesci and William
Hurt (SYRIANA).
Surprisingly THE GOOD SHEPHERD has made it up to one of my all-time
favorite spy films. But a warning call must be sound here. This isn’t
your typical spy flick. It won’t be for everyone. But if you like to
think about where the CIA came from and how espionage jobs really work,
this one will be high on your list, too.
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Image from The Good
Shepherd
DVD cost: $23.99
Purchase:
BestPrices.com
Film Review Stew
Favorite?
Yes.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
Eric Roth penned the
screenplay in 1994 for Francis Ford Coppola and Columbia Pictures.
Coppola left the project because, he said, he could not relate to the
characters, finding them "unemotional" (although he retained a credit as
co-executive producer).
Movie Quote: "No
matter what anyone tells you, there'll be no one you can really trust."
Other Actors/Actresses
from The Good Shepherd
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