review: BREACH

Universal  //  Buy from Amazon.com Based on a true story, Breach boasts a powerhouse performance from Oscar winner Chris Cooper (Bourne Identity, Syriana) as Robert Hanssen, the most notorious traitor in FBI history, convicted of selling American secrets to Moscow over a 15-year period. Critically acclaimed writer/director Billy Ray (Shattered Glass) penetrates the FBI's inner sanctum to reveal the top-secret search for a counter-intelligence genius whose two decades of treachery became the worst intelligence disaster in United States history. Produced by Robert F. Newmyer (Training Day), Scott Strauss (Mindhunters) and Scott Kroopf (The Last Samurai), Breach meticulously scrutinizes the shadowy game of international espionage, building to a shattering final confrontation between two men whose relationship is rooted in betrayal. I had read a book about the Robert Hanssen story some years ago, and while the subject matter was fascinating, the book was easily one of the worst I had ever read, managing to boil down the captivating story to barebones facts, with nothing to really grab hold of my interest, leading me to think that maybe this was a pretty boring story after all (despite the huge stakes at play here.) Well, thankfully, Hollywood thought different, and we have "Breach," starring Chris Cooper and Ryan Philippe. Instead of being a spy thriller, this is absolutely a human interest drama, focusing on the two main characters, the relationship they build, and how this relationship impacts others in their lives (both personal & professional.) It's a slow-burner, with (almost) zero scenes involving FBI agents in action or pulling their guns. What we get instead is a lot of people talking, driving, sitting, talking, and more talking. As lousy a job as I'm doing describing the film, it's wholly engrossing, holding my interest for the entire 120 minute running length, with real characters based on real people delivered in real fashion, so much so that you can't help empathize with Hanssen, despite his traitorous ways. What really impressed me here was Philippe - usually the stuff of tabloid fodder or cheesy movies such as "Cruel Intentions" or that stupid "Tim Robbins as Evil Bill Gates" movie, he delivers a performance here that is at once both mesmerizing and understated. The first 1/3 of the film I was scoffing at his pouty-lipped tough guy impersonation, but he won me over, and I have to give the guy his props: he can act. Great film, well worth checking out. Video Given a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, the film looks great, with an (intentionally) grey/washed out colorscheme presented in crisp fashion from start to finish. Audio Dolby 5.1 surround mix is solid, with a mostly dialogue-driven soundtrack coming out crisp and clean. Extras audio commentary from FBI Agent Eric O'Neill and writer/director BIlly Ray deleted & alternate scenes "Breaching the Truth" featurette "The Mole" featurette "Anatomy of a Character" featurette Closing Thoughts Intelligent, human drama + interesting featurettes = cerebral, entertaining viewing that's definitely recommended