Trust no one. Deceive everyone.Plot: An idealistic CIA agent Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) teams up with veteran operative Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) and the head of Jordanian intelligence to infiltrate an underground network of terrorists and locate a criminal mastermind/jihadist responsible for several terrorist attacks all over the Middle East and Europe.
* * * WARNING: mild spoilers ahead * * *
The plot sounds intriguing, right? So does the cast, right? If so, then what went wrong with this film? I think the answer lies in execution. Indeed, the story itself is quite interesting, but the character’s are poorly developed. Russell Crowe as a veteran CIA operative is a great anti-hero yet he lacks the edge. We all know that he is an asshole yet his draconian methods, well associated with the present day CIA, don’t really bother us all that much. Could it be because we hear so much negative publicity about the CIA on the media that we’ve become accustomed to it?? Then there’s Leonardo DiCaprio -- a CIA field operative who reminds us of a young and unseasoned Jason Bourne who at one point falls in love with a young Iranian-Jordanian nurse. WTF!?
There are some violent scenes of torture, and one decent car VS car VS helicopter chase in the middle of a desert, but overall the film lacks suspense. It pretty much flat lines through out the entire feature. I’d say it was a bit boring and disappointing.
On a good note, Body of Lies brings up some valid points and arguments on the war on terror and shows how easily, with modern day electronics and equipment, one can frame another for a jihadist. Now that is SCARY!!
* * (two out of five) -- Interesting subject matter, poor execution. Instead of watching the film, try reading David Ignatius’ novel "Body of Lies", which this film is based on.V.
Enjoyed Body of Lies? Viira recommends: The Kingdom, Traitor, Black Hawk Down.
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2 comments:
I have not seen the film but I thoroughly enjoyed the book, particularly the twist on page 378.
I have never read the book, but I have heard it was quite good and therefore I don't think the film would do the book any justice. Thank you for following by blog, Stephen!! -- V.
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