very sturdy, simply plotted, character driven espionage thriller
I have to agree with vhsiv's analysis, but I think that a bigger budget would only spoil it, rather than enhance it. I think this is more typical of actual espionage, where most clandestine operatives aren't memorable faces, and that's what casting tried to do and achieved by picking Glenn and Loggia. Most people probably couldn't name -both- of these actors.
Having Matt Damon or Ben Affleck would only focus the viewer on the actor rather than the character. Basically, Glenn and Loggia look like people I see on the Metro everyday, just your average guys. It's not perfect, but I'd watch it first if it came on, definitely a priority pick.
This is along the same lines as "The Jigsaw Man" and the Harry Palmer flicks done by Michael Caine, or solid cold war character fiction done in the late '60s and '70s, a la "The Defector" or "The Naked Runner" or "The Spy Who Came In from the Cold."
Two pervasive elements of intrigue are timing and opportunity, and this movie shows that mission success is intimately tied to both. The pacing may be off, but so is combat, and the slower parts are used for character development and background, and they don't detract from the film.
The art gallery owner was a good pick, also. A nice, attractive Italian woman with depth. Poor old Atherton, though, he's never going to break out of that over-achiever dweeb role.
Having Matt Damon or Ben Affleck would only focus the viewer on the actor rather than the character. Basically, Glenn and Loggia look like people I see on the Metro everyday, just your average guys. It's not perfect, but I'd watch it first if it came on, definitely a priority pick.
This is along the same lines as "The Jigsaw Man" and the Harry Palmer flicks done by Michael Caine, or solid cold war character fiction done in the late '60s and '70s, a la "The Defector" or "The Naked Runner" or "The Spy Who Came In from the Cold."
Two pervasive elements of intrigue are timing and opportunity, and this movie shows that mission success is intimately tied to both. The pacing may be off, but so is combat, and the slower parts are used for character development and background, and they don't detract from the film.
The art gallery owner was a good pick, also. A nice, attractive Italian woman with depth. Poor old Atherton, though, he's never going to break out of that over-achiever dweeb role.
- CaptHazelwood
- Apr 14, 2005