Billy Ray has directed a smash hit with "Breach". The pre-release hype is fulfilled in this spy thriller that literally glues one to the seat in the theater. It was definitely worth the wait, and the marketing has been highly successful in that our entire theater was packed to the very last seat. Chris Cooper gives a commanding yet convincing performance as the counterspy who was responsible for the greatest breach in our intelligence security. He is well studied, and shows the hyper religiosity that this man used in his daily life. The greatest line in the film is delivered by his character when he says "I do matter". Ryan Phillipe plays Eric O'Niel, the young, agent to be who aptly fills his character with the innocence of a novice in the secretive business of his career. Even David Huband plays a gay photographer in an extremely believable way, and he does his best to occupy Hanssen while O'Niel attempts to retrieve a Palm Pilot that belongs to his "Boss". Bruce Davison plays O'Niel's dad, John, in a scene that is most tender when he offers advice to his son in his occupational endeavors. Kathleen Quinlan is also convincing as the hyper-religious wife, Bonnie Hanssen. And Laura Linney plays Kate Burroughs, the dominant authority who is the true "Boss" in the compelling spy drama. It is early in the year for nominations of best film, but it should be high on the list of films in one's "must see" category. Don't miss it.
