Anton Corbijn's "A Most Wanted Man" (based on John le Carre's novel) is the last leading role in Philip Seymour Hoffman's great career and it's a good performance for him to end on. Hoffman plays Gunther Bachmann, a German spy in a post 9-11 world. Issa Karpov (Grigoriy Dobrygin) is a Muslim who illegally immigrates to Hamburg and gets caught in the crossfire in the war on terror. It's a slow burning spy thriller with strong performances and a well written script.
Hoffman carries the film with a calm, but engaging performance. He can go from a charming man to cold hearted bastard in seconds. His German accent is very well done. Robin Wright is also good as Martha Sullivan, the American representative of the film. Willem Dafoe continues a good streak in movies this year (with "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The Fault In Our Stars").
The movie feels very cold with an emphasis on blues, grays, and blacks. The film almost feels like a film noir at times as Gunther steps in and out of shadows with his white shirt and long brown coat. It's a tough film with little sympathy. Benoit Delhomme's cinematography is dark and brooding as we follow Gunther in his complex world. Herbert Gronemeyer's music is eerie with an interesting use of the accordion. It reminded me of Carol Reed's "The Third Man." Gronemeyer never over extends his hand. His music fits right in and reels us in when it needs to.
There are hiccups in sound and editing throughout the film, but nothing too distracting. My only real complaint about the film is that it is slow moving. I didn't always feel engaged with the story and characters. Andrew Bovell's script explains everything well, but the film lingers at times, for better or for worse. It could have been edited down a little to make it more concise.
Corbijn's "A Most Wanted Man" is a smart spy thriller that is relevant today. It's a story where no one truly has control and focuses on the moment. Who are we really after and who has there finger on the trigger? How do we get the answers? Is there a right way? It's a thought provoking and cynical film that makes us think about the war on terror and who can we really trust.
Hoffman carries the film with a calm, but engaging performance. He can go from a charming man to cold hearted bastard in seconds. His German accent is very well done. Robin Wright is also good as Martha Sullivan, the American representative of the film. Willem Dafoe continues a good streak in movies this year (with "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "The Fault In Our Stars").
The movie feels very cold with an emphasis on blues, grays, and blacks. The film almost feels like a film noir at times as Gunther steps in and out of shadows with his white shirt and long brown coat. It's a tough film with little sympathy. Benoit Delhomme's cinematography is dark and brooding as we follow Gunther in his complex world. Herbert Gronemeyer's music is eerie with an interesting use of the accordion. It reminded me of Carol Reed's "The Third Man." Gronemeyer never over extends his hand. His music fits right in and reels us in when it needs to.
There are hiccups in sound and editing throughout the film, but nothing too distracting. My only real complaint about the film is that it is slow moving. I didn't always feel engaged with the story and characters. Andrew Bovell's script explains everything well, but the film lingers at times, for better or for worse. It could have been edited down a little to make it more concise.
Corbijn's "A Most Wanted Man" is a smart spy thriller that is relevant today. It's a story where no one truly has control and focuses on the moment. Who are we really after and who has there finger on the trigger? How do we get the answers? Is there a right way? It's a thought provoking and cynical film that makes us think about the war on terror and who can we really trust.