This
is an outstanding film. It's concentrated focus on
the fascinating true events and personalities involved
in the greatest spy case in US history makes this
a perfect movie for intelligent adults.
Chris Cooper
is outstanding (sure to be nominated for Best Actor)
as Robert Hanssen, a top FBI agent who was a mole
for the KGB during most of his 25 year career.
His portrayal is greatly complimented by Ryan Phillippe
who plays Eric O'Neill, an FBI newbie looking to
become an "Agent",
who is assigned as a clerk to Hanssen as part of
an investigation into Hanssen's sexual perversion.
Outwardly Hanssen is a proselytizing arch-conservative
Catholic. Eric is a clever enough to soon figure
out that there is something more going on with
this assignment, perhaps even a Bureau vendetta
against Hanssen. His handler, agent Kate Burroughs,
played by Laura Linney, is walking a thin line
in managing O'Neill who is becoming less and less
committed to spying on Hanssen, as he comes to
admire Hanssen's dedication, ethics, his views
on the inner workings of the FBI, and his unexpected
occassional kindness.
I doubt if you will see a better film this year.
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