The Good Shepherd

By: Andrew Moran

4 Stars out of 5 Stars

Starring (Alphabetical Order): Alec Baldwin, Tammy Blanchard, Billy Crudup, Matt Damon, Robert DeNiro, Michael Gambon, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton, Angelina Jolie, Lee Pace, Joe Pesci & Jon Turturo

Edward Wilson, the only witness to his father's suicide and member of the Skull and Bones Society while a student at Yale, is a morally upright young man who values honor and discretion, qualities that help him to be recruited for a career in the newly founded Central Intelligence Agency. While working there, his ideals gradually turn to suspicion influenced by the Cold War paranoia present within the office. Eventually, he becomes an influential veteran operative, while his distrust of everyone around him increases to no end. His dedication to his work does not come without a price though, leading him to sacrifice his ideals and eventually his family.

The Good Shepherd is an intriguing CIA spy thriller with information of what spies, starting out, went through and as William Hurt’s character said in the film, “why do we put ourselves in a job for nickels a day for a job that makes us extinct.” I’m paraphrasing here a little. This film provides us a glimpse of what goes on with the CIA, which isn’t necessarily a good thing, in my standpoint, because the CIA should be kept secret.  But nevertheless it’s the type of story that I really enjoy.

There are moments that the story moves quite story but that outlast by the great direction by Robert DeNiro (Sleepers & A Bronx Tale).  This film proves that Robert DeNiro is not only amazing at acting but also talented behind the camera.

The film’s score should have been more pulsating at times especially during the scenes where Matt Damon’s (Good Will Hunting & The Bourne Identity) character is witnessing climatic moments in his career.

What really drew this film’s attention was the great mixture of actually newsreel footage and the film’s story.  For example; there is footage of post-war Berlin and all the rubble but moments into that footage you see William Hurt (Syriana & A History of Violence) and Matt Damon speaking in the area of the rubble.

The acting was superb, even from Matt Damon who rarely spoke a word in this film, did a great job. The best actor in this film was definitely Jon Turturo (Summer of Sam & Coffee & Cigarettes), who had one great scene of power.

Overall this was an enjoyable film but if you expect spy gadgets and big explosions you will not get that from The Good Shepherd.  Instead you’ll get a great CIA human story of suspense, emotion and drama.