The Good Movie...

The Good Shepherd
***1/2

The CIA is shrouded in mystery. We might be given snippets of information regarding this covert organization from time to time however we are never allowed to know exactly what it is that makes the CIA tick. This longing to better understand the CIA is one of the major reasons why legendary actor/director Robert DeNiro chose a CIA agent to be the main character of his second directorial effort "The Good Shepherd". Edward Wilson is that agent. He is your all American boy. He goes to Yale, he is highly literate, and oh so composed. It seems as though in another world he might have been your friendly neighborhood librarian. However despite his efforts to live the quiet life, deception, secrecy, and an obligation to serve his country envelop him. And no matter what happens, he cannot trust anybody even those that are closest to him. Matt Damon portrays Edward Wilson with great accuracy. His every movement is subtle and full of tension. The rest of the cast turn in adequate performances, with the exception of Eddie Redmayne who shines in the role of Damon's bewildered son Edward Jr. DeNiro is obviously not the same director he was when he first stepped behind the camera as to film "A Bronx Tale." He clearly seems comfortable with the material, and does an outstanding job of portraying the world of espionage as one that is quite unremarkable, dark and devious. He refused to give any of the antagonists or protagonists of the film any James Bond or Dr. No qualities. This is a covert organization run by men who tell lies and keep secrets. Not men who walk around in tuxedos or use highly technological weapons that belong in science fiction films. Perhaps that is also the reason why the film tends to lag at times. The action sequences are limited to a few acts of violence and a brief torture scene, however Eric Roth who wrote the screenplay might be the one to blame and not DeNiro. In closing this film would have been more entertaining if their had been more confrontations between the good shepherd and the big bad wolf and less conversations.