Body Of Lies

Directed by Ridley Scott

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong

Synopsis:

Two CIA agents work to bring down a terrorist leader using markedly different methods. DiCaprio’s CIA operator; Roger Ferris is on the ground in the Middle East covertly tracking terror suspects with the help of Jordan (the country, not the glamour model). Crowe’s CIA handler Hoffman, working “with” Ferris but from a laptop in Washington , uses the latest intelligence and sophisticated satellite technology to guide Ferris through his task, controlling him whether he wants him to or not.

Review;

On paper, this looks like a complicated, intellectual movie underpinned by what we expect from Ridley Scott; sharp visuals and cracking action sequences layered with a sense of realism that pulls us into the movie. However, it’s not quite as clever as it might lead you to think.

The core of the film, when you boil it down to it’s essence, is a story of the relationship of two men that whilst they work for the same cause, have two distinctly different approaches to getting the job done. The difference will put one of the men in very real danger. Whilst Ferris carefully cultivates trust through his dealings with strategic allies, Hoffman has a detached “big picture” attitude to the events in the Middle East that have far reaching consequences that affect his man on the ground.

The core of the story, apart from the relationships within the film is the creation of a dummy terrorist organisation by Ferris to smoke out a shadowy master terrorist looking to create a series of 9/11 style incidents across Europe . It is how Ferris goes about this and the way he is manipulated that flows through the movie, punctuated by action sequences. These action sequences are handled with the usual amount of realism and excitement we expect from a Ridley Scott movie.

Both male leads are a joy to watch. Both actors know their craft and help the film with realistic portrayals of the characters. Lesser actors would have drawn more attention to the seemingly obvious plot contrivances. In the middle of the two is the Jordanian head of Security, Hani Salaam, played by Mark Strong. Strong plays an intriguing character that is shown to play hard whilst working professionally to ensure the stability of his country using any methods available; methods that ultimately affect Ferris.

Typically, Scott draws us into this world of espionage by presenting us with the latest technology that is allegedly used by the US security forces. Crystal Clear satellite images focus on Ferris’ movements for most of the movie and a great reliance is placed upon Bluetooth headsets and an inexhaustible mobile phone battery. Unlike many similar movies, Ferris is not a black ops soldier but a CIA asset, fluent in Arabic and capable of operating in 3 countries backed only by a portly CIA handler operating from a laptop whilst looking after his domestic chores. During an almost comedic scene, Hoffman is strapping his kids into the car whilst communicating with Ferris during a particularly fraught endeavour. A comedic scene also shows the problem with operating a satellite at a low altitude in a desert sky; the opposition can see it overhead. Ferris is invaluable as the enemy has shown how effective they are at going low-tech.

On the one hand we have Ferris whose very life is on the line, whilst Hoffman controls him from the safety of his Hybrid. It reminded me of the armchair generals that we associate with World War 1 and 2 movies, coldly sending men to their deaths whilst sipping Earl Grey tea.

So Ferris is the character that we most relate to; carrying out a difficult job whilst being slave to basic human instincts highlighted by his interest in a female nurse that treats his wounds. In a poignant scene, a surgeon removes foreign objects from Ferris after a blast explaining; “Bone fragments. Not yours”. It brings the full reality of the bombings to the viewer and the world in which Ferris moves. Ferris’ relationship with Aisha (Golshifteh Farahani) whilst initially handled well, is one of the more unlikely plot points in a movie that generally appears quite realistic.

The exact nature of how Hoffman manages the big picture is the liaison with Salaam. Ferris wants the Jordanians on side, and seems to gain Salaam’s trust, something difficult to achieve. Through Hoffman’s actions, Ferris relationship with Salaam is compromised, leading to the movie’s denouement.

Whilst Body Of Lies moves with a brisk pace, the final act is let down by a descent into what I feel is typical “girl in peril” storytelling and last minute rescues. But it didn’t detract too much form my overall enjoyment of the movie. The movie seemed to want to appeal to a broad audience instead of following it’s natural flow from beginning to end. I have suspicions based upon the treatment of Scott’s previous works that there could be a Director’s Cut further along that might elevate the movie similarly to Kingdom of Heaven.

Verdict;

Overall, a multi-layered plot that you can watch at any level. It works better than most action movies, mixing a more cerebral approach with well direction set pieces.

8/10 (Wayfarer)

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