“Breach” (Universal Pictures)
The Spy Game
Universal Pictures’ new drama “Breach” concerns the arrest of Robert Hanssen, one of the most active and notorious spies in the history of the United States. The film is tense and terrifying as you watch the events of the two months that preceded his arrest. Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney and Chris Cooper star in this well made drama. They are all good but it is Cooper who steals the show.
Robert Hanssen (Cooper) is a twenty-five year veteran of the FBI wars. His superiors know he is a spy for the Russians but they want to catch him red-handed. For this reason FBI trainee Eric O’Neill (Phillippe) is assigned to work for him as a clerk. His assignment is to spy on the spy.
O’Neill finds himself warming to the man as he works for him. Hanssen he learns is a solid family man, a devoted husband, and a devout Catholic. He attends Mass every day. Eric is so impressed that he questions if the Agency could be mistaken. His Agent in Charge, Kate Burroughs (Linney), gives hum proof that the man is a spy and a sexual deviant.
The excitement of the movie comes form the relationship between Eric and his “boss” as well as the unexpected things that can and do happen as he goes about spying. It also is a game of who can lie best as both Eric and Hanssen try to convince each other they aren’t anything but what they are supposed to be.
Linney projects a cool exterior as Kate. She makes her the epitome of the efficient FBI Agent. Kate never lets down her guard and only rarely shows any true emotion. Phillippe is at his best in his role as Eric. There is a lot going on behind Eric’s eyes, and Phillippe lets the audience see his mind at work as he comes up with one lie after another.
But it is Cooper who is the best of the bunch. He gives Hanssen depth and mystery. Much of what we learn about the man come through as little secrets Cooper lets escape. These are mostly glances of disgust, or sparks of envy lingering in his eyes. It is early in the year for a performance this good and it is only hoped it will be remembered next year when awards season arrives.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and violence.
“Breach” is a movie that will churn your emotions, but it will also require you to think. It has an emotional and intellectual impact that lingers long after the film has ended. Cooper and company do their jobs in creating a movie worth watching. Now do your part by going to see it.
I scored “Breach” a compromised 7 out of 10.
