Breach (2007)

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 L. Rotko (screenplay) (as William Rotko)

Stars:

Chris Cooper, Ryan Phillippe, Dennis Haysbert

1 win & 3 nominations.

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 | washington monument washington d.c. | fbi | clerk | computer | 

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Taglines:

How one man betrayed the security of a nation.

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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 [United States]

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 USA:

$10,504,990, 18 February 2007

Gross USA:

$33,231,264

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$40,953,935

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

Once out of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Eric M. O'Neill recounted his experience of working with Robert Hanssen - and the unique relationship that developed between them - to his brother, David, who convinced him that the story would make a fascinating film. O'Neill sought and was granted approval by the FBI to move forward with the idea.

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Goofs

In the night street scene in front of Eric's apartment, set in DC, there is a Canadian "Do Not Enter" sign clearly visible in several shots.

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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

Referenced in Breach: Anatomy of a Character (2007)

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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

Slow but Authentic

"Breach" is slow - slow enough to recommend waiting to rent for most people. It is a good story, but the material requires the methodical pacing that will bore viewers hoping for car chases and gun fights.

The most authentic part of the movie is its attention to detail. The interior shots look like the drab, boring government offices they portray. This wonderfully realistic touch will be lost on those that haven't toiled in such holes; it is nice that a movie finally depicts a governmental office that looks like one, instead of a futuristic, gleaming movie version that has more in common with the starship Enterprise.

Intentionally or not, the drabness goes beyond the office spaces (apologies to - yeahhh - Gary Cole). Laura Linney's hair is flat and dull, and she's as pale as a ghost. All of the exterior shots are cloudy with a 70% chance of showers, like DC all winter long. The somber look of the movie enhances theme, but will probably leave some viewers with a bad taste.

As a retired intelligence analyst, I enjoyed this movie because it reminds us that traitors exist, and they cause damage to our national security. Like "United 93" it isn't easy or enjoyable to watch, but the subject matter is thought provoking.