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| Movie Review: Breach Alternate Title: There are Spies Amongst Us (an often
used alternate title)
Story: What dark forces drive
a seemingly God fearing Catholic, all American family man, and respected
FBI agent to turn on his country? This film is based on the true story
of agent Robert Hanssen. who spent 22 of his 25 years
with the FBI as a spy for the Russians. Director Billy Ray (Shattered
Glass) delivers a solid film that at times appears more like a
documentary than a spy/thriller. The everyday workings of the FBI seem
much drier than you would think. Filled with politics, one-ups-manship
and pissing contests it is not hard to see how things don't always work
the way they do in novels. The screenplay by Adam Mazer, William
Rotko and Billy Ray is intelligent in tone
as we witness the final months that led to his to the arrest in February
of 2001. Young would-be agent Eric O'Neill
is placed in Hanssen's office to watch his every move. His budding friendship
with Hanssen led directly to the capture of this spy. If you like politics, films about spies, good
acting and story telling, check out this entertaining, but not perfect
film. For more on Hanssen go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Hanssen Acting: Chris Cooper is fabulous
as Robert Hanssen. He gives this complicated character depth and we
feel sympathy when he is captured - now that is good acting. Ryan
Phillippe, as Eric O'Neill does not have the depth to stay
in the same room as Cooper. I think he will grow into a better actor
someday. Laura Linney, Caroline Dhavernas, Gary Cole, Dennis
Haysbert and Kathleen Quinlan are all good
in supporting roles. But this film is all about Chris Cooper's role.
Predilection: I am a political junkie and like spy
stuff. Critters: None.
Food: Meat and potatoes.
Blatant Product Placement: Dell Computer
Soundtrack: Haunting but not cloying. Opening Titles: The grainy image of John (Let the
Eagles Soar) Ashcroft as he announces the arrest of Robert Hanssen is
the opening shot.
Visual Art: A painting by Winslow Homer which is
referred to as 'two guys in a boat'.
Theater Audience:A handful of other political junkies
celebrating president's Day in the movies Weather: It seems to be a cold winter in DC.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: The idea of spies makes me squirm.
Drift Factor: No drifting for me. Predictability Level: There are no surprises if you
know the story.
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would do fine.
Length: 110 minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 7
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