tetractys

This movie attempts to deal with the BCCI (Bank of Credit and Commerce International) scandal of 15 years ago, and does it well, IMHO. Clive Owen again, this time with Naomi Watts, directed by Tom Tykwer ("Lola Rennt!" or "Lola Runs!") Tightly-wound thriller dealing with a corrupt bank spread all over the world, we go to Germany, Milan, New York, Turkey and a few other places along the way as the Interpol and NY state's attorney investigators try to unravel an arms deal and the global power brokers who use world events to accumulate income streams from war debt, killing anyone who gets in their way. The movie uses architecture as a character, implying that IBBC (the International Bank of Business and Credit) is so monstrously huge to defy any attempt to straighten it out.

They go to Volkswagen's Autohaus in Wolfsburg and shoot there for the first time ever. (This is a massive theme park used to sell cars to Europeans, and is a location-rich environment.) Milan contrasts some of the older Mussolini-era fascist architecture with some of the new hyper-modern investment bank buildings. New York is seen as decrepit, old and worn out. Turkey is seen as ancient, predating and surviving all of modern man's follies. The dialogue matches the locations, is smart, understated and elliptical.

Reminds me a bit of "Demon Lover" for its focus on international intrigue, but it's mainstream and taught, avoiding romance and titillation. Also moves like "The Spy Game" (Redford and Pitt), pushing a very complex story through location changes and action. Direction and writing are spare, with much of the story implied or gestured so you have to figure out what's going on.

Acting is very good, and in a couple of scenes just spectacular. I actually watched this movie over and over again to try and untangle exactly what was going on. Even in the fourth viewing, it didn't disappoint. Rich diversity of characters. Many small parts are well acted and directed. Even the de rigeur big shootout at the end is so outrageous it's OK. Yeah, it's Hollywood, but a sudden teaming up of the bad guy and the good guy by necessity plus the bizarre location make it an amusement, kind of like Tykwer is saying, "OK, you and I both know I have to do this here, but I'm going to make it fun." The denouement that follows makes sitting through the action worth the wait.