The Good Shepherd

Day 186 - 7/5/09 - Movie #186

BEFORE: We follow up a film about the U.S. Navy with this film about the formation of the C.I.A. - Matt Damon is the star, but De Niro has a supporting role, and also directed the film. This is a long movie, clocking in at 2 hr., 49 min., so I'm glad I saved it for the weekend.

THE PLOT: The tumultuous early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through the prism of one man's life.

AFTER: Putting length aside for a moment, I've got a real problem with films that don't follow a linear timeline (unless they're films about time travel...). This film keeps jumping back and forth between events directly after the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and earlier events during WWII and the 1950's that show the development of the agency. A scrambling of the timeline usually indicates that a narrative isn't strong enough to unfold in a completely linear way. I can justify long flashbacks within framing sequences, like in "Amadeus", provided that we gain more and more insight as the film progresses, but the plot points here seem to be withheld as classified. Also, I don't like seeing flashbacks WITHIN flashbacks.

I did like some of the insights into how spy operations are carried out - I figured that James Bond-style action and gadgets were a Hollywood invention, but a movie still needs to entertain, not just present events in a dry, matter-of-fact style. I'm used to staying up late on the weekends (usually going to bed as the sun comes up), but I had to take a break for a shower and a cup of tea in order to finish this film - some editing might have helped. Damon's character doesn't seem to show any signs of aging over a 20-year period, unlike his wife, (played by Angelina Jolie) - nor does he show much emotion, except in the presence of the woman he loves (not played by Angelina Jolie) - maybe that's a valid acting choice, but it doesn't help to brighten up the movie's tone.

A couple of quibbles - wouldn't a top C.I.A. man know how to avoid being photographed? Also, why introduce Joe Pesci late in the film, in a sub-plot that goes absolutely nowhere?

RATING: 4 out of 10 hidden cameras - for making international espionage boring.

DENIR-O-METER: 3 - he only makes three short appearances, as a retired general, but he directed the film, so it should be infused with his essence - I just didn't see it.