Agent of Influence

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

Loosely based on a true story, this film revolves around a man by the name of "John Watkins" (Christopher Plummer) who was a close and trusted friend of the Canadian Prime Minister. As such, he was given a position as the ambassador to the Soviet Union and from all accounts performed quite well. However, when some compromising information became available that implicated him in a possible blackmail scheme by the Soviets for a homosexual affair, he was quickly apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and interrogated. What follows in this film is a possible narrative of the events during his interrogation which have certain sinister overtones that may-or may not-be credible. Now, rather than reveal any more and risk potentially ruining the film for those who haven't seen it, I will just say that after reading the account of this incident it is quite possible that the events depicted in this movie are somewhat embellished to provide for a better story than would have been obtained otherwise. Regardless, as far as this picture is concerned, there really wasn't that much action or suspense but Christopher Plummer performed adequately enough to maintain my interest for the most part and because of that I have rated this film accordingly. Average.

In 1964 during the height of the Cold War, the Canadian Ambassador to Moscow, John Watkins (Christopher Plummer) is accused by the CIA and given some heavy interrogation for being a double agent for the KGB and use dirty tactics such as trying to out him as a homosexual.

Some dreadful performances and direction mar this what could have been an interesting film based on the real life events that occurred to Canadian Ambassador John Watkins. Director Michel Poulette clearly does not handle the material well with only Plummer handling his role with any dignity.

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.

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.