Agent of Influence

Overall this is a good film because, and almost only because, Christopher Plummer puts in a good performance when he could have sent them a mail in performance in this made for TV film. The story and writing certainly helps also as it is brow raising along with the Plummer performance. It is kept from being extremely good because the performance by the rest of the cast and the Directing aren't up to par with the writing & the Plummer performance.

Great movie. Just bumped into the movie by the chance. The story is real and eye opening. It's another page of bullying history.

Engrossing and frightening expose of the unprincipled tactics of the CIA, in dealing with the RCMP to hunt down possible double agents among Canadian diplomats in Lester Pearson's circle. The true story of John Watkin's tragic death finally surfaces - how a good man is sacrificed by "commie hunters". Herbert Norman and Watkins were hounded by the CIA during the cold war, and even their friend Prime Minister Lester Pearson couldn't save them.

How timely for CTV to air this when Canada has the courage not to back the U.S. unilateral invasion of Iraq. This TV movie explains better than any lecture the roots of the tensions between the US and Canada in international affairs.

Terrific performance by Christopher Plummer as Watkins, a sophisticated homosexual whose deep sense of decency is finally recognized by the RCMP officer interrogating him. Effective direction by Michel Poulette.

"Agent of Influence" from 2002 is the disturbing true story of the CIA's framing of the Canadian Ambassador to the USSR (Christopher Plummer) by exposing him as a Russian agent. In so doing, they want to force him to implicate the Prime Minister at the time, Pearson. It stars Christopher Plummer, Marina Orsini, Ted Whittall, and Shaun Johnson.

With the exception of Plummer, the acting ranged from good to so-so - Marina Orsini, I think in an attempt to sound American, did her more subtle scenes the best. Plummer as usual was amazing as a man in failing health coming up against the ruination of his career at the hands of the CIA. The incident took place in 1964; the real story was finally revealed in 1980.

The older I get, the more disgusted I get by our government's antics. Sad statement.

This is a lousy film. It has to be the writing along with much of the acting. Seriously, Christopher Plummer is a good actor but even he can't lift this film. The actor who plays the woman agent is unbelievable. She overacts trying to create drama. What a waste of time.