2006, USA
Adventure, Crime, Drama, Thriller, War
At what point did the world become so unsafe from itself that countries were forced to create wars not only in the open but also behind closed doors? Director Robert De Niro (A Bronx Tale) attempts to reveal the origin of the CIA and the men who tried to keep up with its lies.
Quiet and reserved, Edward Wilson keeps to himself but picks up on the little things. Details other may dismiss, he makes a mental note of until the pieces create a clear picture. Though a bit uncertain about Yale's Skull and Bones society, he shows promise through his dedication and is quickly recruited by alumni to help in World War II intelligence. He leaves his pregnant bride, and his life of constant suspicion begins.
Every moment is filled with claustrophobia and paranoia. No one is to be trusted, and even allies are suspect. Nobody denies this factor and yet the organization continues with confidence -- warily guarded confidence. When peacetime arrives, those in the know can only presume World War III is just around the corner, and they live their lives trying to sneak up on it.
What is surprisingly brilliant about this film, directed by a larger-than-life actor, is that De Niro may have inspired some of his impressive cast's most subtle and nuanced performances. Angelina Jolie speaks with a much softer tone than her usually low, sultry voice, and her actions are reserved. John Turturro is dry and held back from his usual over the top quirkiness. Billy Crudup becomes a striking British counterpart. Alex Baldwin takes a break from sitcoms to refresh his dramatic chops. Even De Niro's cameo leaves the actions to the words.
Considering that this is a spy movie, centerpiece Matt Damon as Wilson displays a cunning intellect without having to chase down the enemies or use brute force. The thrills arise from paranoia and second-guessing every character introduced -- even family members are not safe from a double take.
The CIA's birth and adolescence are witnessed as Russian shadows and Cuban ghosts are traced, questioned and occasionally tortured. Their livelihood depends on treachery and traitors, and soon the operatives force themselves to forget their young selves before their double lives began.
The only exception to this rule is the attempt to live up to their fathers before them, whether by proving themselves more patriotic or as worthy of their name. These are the real ghosts that rule their actions, and yet they must act as though their only family is the covert group. In protecting their country, their souls belong to this intelligence organization. God holds a close second.
As the film flips back and forth between Wilson's part in the evolution of the CIA and the truth behind a grainy picture, great detail is divulged from both. Though Wilson's duty is far bigger than himself, he is a slave to the career he never wanted. Assuming unthinkable positions and forced to make choices between family and country, his patriotism becomes lost in the shuffle of an obsession for complete control. While the CIA kept track of every tiny detail, they never questioned whether the bigger picture made any sense.