Body of Lies
Review - Matt Mungle
"Everybody Lies."
Remember the good old days when war and espionage movies made you feel proud to be an American, where at least you know you're free? (Thanks Keith Green) What happened? Granted no one is excited about the war on terror and the situation with Iraq. We all wish we could erase these last eight years of government leadership and put it behind us. But I am seeing a trend in Hollywood where the films are not entertaining and uplifting but rather leave us with no one to truly root for, much less the American government. And we need that now more than ever. I am not saying we are all naÔve about government politics but I get enough of the negative from the mainline media and I want to go to the movies to forget that for a while. In the new film, Body of Lies, there are no good guys or bad guys. Everyone is sort of bad.
Director Ridley Scott's new thriller has an engaging story that is acted out to perfection. Roger Ferris(Leonardo DiCaprio) is an American operative in Jordan tracking a well known terrorist with the help of the Jordanian government. He would have things well under control if not continually being under minded by his own CIA department headed up by Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe). Ferris tries to work hand in hand with the locals and treat them fairly in the procedure. Hoffman on the other hand feels like he can do what ever he wants and ends up doing more harm than good. And these tactics could cost Ferris his life.
I enjoyed this film for the most part. DiCaprio again shows why he is one of the top actors out there today. He is very human in his portrayal of Ferris. The level of intensity and frustration that comes from fighting two wars, in Jordan and within the CIA, comes across with realism. You can't help but like Leo. Something I never thought I would have said 15 years ago. Crowe too, though you despise his character, gives a sort of humorous take on a career government agent who is fighting the battle from the comfort of his own home while guys like Ferris are in the hot seat.
This film does nothing to shine any sort of good light on the current conflict. (not that there is any) It shows our country and the CIA as an egotistical, maniacal group that has only its self preservation and interest at heart. You watch films like this and it reiterates the fact that in these days it is hard to be proud of the title, American. It is the greatest country on earth yes, but you walk out thinking that if these things really do take place, no wonder the other countries despise us. As I mentioned, I don't like walking out of the theater with that feeling. All I have to do is read a newspaper for that.
Body of Lies is rated R for strong violence including some torture, and for language throughout. It is certainly an engaging story and will keep you interested with only a small amount of down time. There is quite a bit of terrorist action and things get blown up and people get shot. Such is war. If you are a huge fan of action thrillers you will walk away pleased with this one as film making goes. If you want a feel good film that gives you any sort of hope or encouragement in these days, then this is not your pick of the week. I give it 3 out of 5 safe houses. Great acting and good story, but a hidden agenda that is over done in these times.
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