| I really enjoyed every
minute of this film, based on the true 2001 story of former FBI
agent, Robert Hanssen, caught in the act of treason. His
activities have been described as "the worst intelligence disaster
in US history". "Breach" is subtle and understated, lending a
truly authentic feel to the story. At no point does this movie
shift into "Hollywood" mode... and I loved that! I really
appreciated that it stuck so rigidly to the actual events -- it was
such an engaging and fascinating story that it didn't need
embellishment.
Chris Cooper is, perhaps, the most underrated actor today.
He consistently does Oscar worthy work, usually brooding and morose,
but always in different and interesting ways. He oozes his
characters out of every pore, never slipping back into Chris Cooper
in the eyes of the audience. His role as Hanssen is business
as usual... it is one of the best performances I will see in 2007.
Ryan Phillippe matches him in every way as Eric O'Neill, the
young surveillance operative who spied on Hanssen as his principal
assistant. The mounting tension and escalating consequences on
Hanssen, the FBI, the USA, himself and his wife are superbly
conveyed in what might be a career changing role for Phillippe.
Supporting performances from Laura Linney and Caroline Dhavernas
are also very worthy of mention in a fine ensemble cast. No
one strikes an incorrect note in the film.
However, the main source of praise has to go to Billy Ray, a
director whose equally surehanded "Shattered Glass" (2003) won him
well-deserved acclaim. He really knows how to make films
without going over the top... without losing the audiences
suspension of disbelief. He is in complete control of this
intriguing recent-history event. I will be keeping an eye out
for any future films from this director.
I highly recommend "Breach" as a top notch thriller, an accurate
historical recreation and as a fascinating dual character study.
It is well worth your movie dollars whether you catch it during this
early 2007 theatrical run or on DVD sometime down the road. It
is riveting stuff. |
