Breach (2007)

Based on the true story, FBI upstart Eric O'Neill enters into a power game with his boss, Robert Hanssen, an agent who was put on trial for selling secrets to the Soviet Union.

Director:

Billy Ray

Writers:

Adam Mazer (screenplay), William Rotko (screenplay),

Stars:

Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Laura Linney

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chris Cooper	...	Robert Hanssen
Ryan Phillippe	...	Eric O'Neill
Laura Linney	...	Kate Burroughs
Caroline Dhavernas	...	Juliana O'Neill
Gary Cole	...	Rich Garces
Dennis Haysbert	...	Dean Plesac
Kathleen Quinlan	...	Bonnie Hanssen
Bruce Davison	...	John O'Neill
Jonathan Watton	...	Geddes
Tom Barnett	...	Jim Olsen
Jonathan Potts	...	D.I.A. Suit
David Huband	...	Photographer
Catherine Burdon	...	Agent Nece
Scott Gibson	...	Agent Sherin
Courtenay J. Stevens	...	Agent Loper (as Courtenay Stevens)

Storyline

In February, 2001, Robert Hanssen, a senior agent with 25 years in the FBI, is arrested for spying. Jump back two months: Eric O'Neill, a computer specialist who wants to be made an agent is assigned to clerk for Hanssen and to write down everything Hanssen does. O'Neill's told it's an investigation of Hanssen's sexual habits. Within weeks, the crusty Hanssen, a devout Catholic, has warmed to O'Neill, who grows to respect Hanssen. O'Neill's wife resents Hanssen's intrusiveness; the personal and professional stakes get higher. How they catch Hanssen and why he spies become the film's story. Can O'Neill help catch red-handed "the worst spy in history" and hold onto his personal life?

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Plot Keywords:

investigation | fbi | catholic | clerk | computer | 

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Taglines:

Inspired by the true story of the greatest security breach in U.S. history

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama | History | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence, sexual content and language

Details

Official Sites:

Universal Pictures [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English Russian Arabic Latin

Release Date:

16 February 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

Hanssen

Filming Locations:

Arlington, Virginia, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£156,140 (UK) (31 August 2007)

Gross:

£156,140 (UK) (31 August 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Outlaw Productions (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

110 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film's translation in Russia is "Treason"

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Goofs

Security. Typical government safes containing classified information have the combination lock on the top drawer (not the second drawer down).

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Quotes

[first lines]
John Ashcroft: [news clip] Sunday, the FBI successfully concluded an investigation to end a serious breach in the security of the United States. The arrest of Robert Hanssen, for espionage, should remind us all, every American should know, that our nation, our free society, is an international target, in a dangerous world.

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Connections

References The Mask of Zorro (1998)

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Soundtracks

"Near You"
Written by Francis Craig, Kermit Goell
Performed by The Andrews Sisters
Courtesy of Geffen Records
Under license from Universal Music Enterprises

User Reviews

Loved it, but O'Neill wasn't an FBI Special Agent

I keep reading comments referring to O'Neill as an FBI Agent. Eric O'Neill was never an FBI Agent, but rather just a support employee. That's part of what makes this movie so exciting with an almost "David and Goliath" quality. O'Neill was thrust into one of the most important cases in FBI history with virtually no undercover experience. His ability to hang in there and keep his cool in the midst of that stress and strain was simply amazing and he deserves a lot of credit.

This movie was a very accurate portrayal of the FBI culture and the events which took place regarding the investigation and arrest of Robert Hanssen. They even got the look of the HQ interior down pat.

There are a few *very* minor inaccuracies.

1) The FBI does not have mailboxes outside their office doors. 2) The real parking garage is a lot shabbier looking than the one in the movie. 3) There is no policy against FBI Agents drinking in their personal lives. 4) There is no "25 Year" wall. 5) Dennis Haysbert's character of Dan Plesac was introduced as "FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge" as if it were a big deal. It's not. An ASAC is one step above a Supervisor. Now, if he'd been introduced as "FBI Assistant Director" that would have been a much higher status position.

But everything else in the movie was amazingly accurate. As usual, do not rely on Wikipedia for your facts. I read it and there are some blatant mistakes in there.

Overall, I loved the movie. Very well-paced, well-written, well-acted, intense and riveting.