A Most Wanted Man is the new film from director Anton Corbijn and the latest adaptation of a John Le Carre novel. Now I really dug Corbijn's previous film The American which starred George Clooney and I absolutely loved Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy which was based on another John Le Carre novel (I also really like the book). This film also marks the last lead performance from Philip Seymour Hoffman before his untimely death and shows why his presence will be missed in the film world. The film also stars Rachel McAdams (sporting a German accent), Robin Wright, Willem Dafoe, Grigoriy Dobrygin, Daniel Bruhl, Nina Hoss and Homayoun Ershadi.
The film follows Gunther Bachmann (Hoffman) as he tries to strategically expose the higher ups of Islamic terrorist cells by infiltrating and manipulating the smaller players. Like all John Le Carre spy stories A Most Wanted Man is very much a realistic portrayal of the business. This ain't no James Bond film; this a film that goes through all the boring paperwork and not-so-exciting forms of espionage. In fact this is a spy movie where the set pieces are people waiting for people to make choices and it's all the better for it as this is a film where every choice counts and it adds a lot more weight to the film then having our hero getting shot at.
Now because it's not an action oriented it needs something else to keep the audience's attention and this film does so with fantastic performances from it's cast. Philip Seymour Hoffman is absolutely marvellous and shows why he was one of the greatest character actors in the business. Rachel McAdams disappears into her role with a very convincing accent and Willem Dafoe also delivers fine vocal work. The rest of the cast is great though there isn't as much to talk about and a few of them are quite underused.
The film is all anchored by a very taut and thoughtful screenplay that is full of suspense, tension, smarts and care. Even though it doesn't have any real surprises regarding plot the way it is handled really makes the film work. Though the film does take a rather clinical and observational approach in it's execution it doesn't alienate you and is a very immersive experience much like Corbijn's previous film. The cinematography is gorgeous but the handheld shots don't always cut together well and can be rather disjointed. The film is very well paced, the music very atmospheric and Anton Corbijn brings it all together quite well.
A Most Wanted Man is a movie for those who like there films a little bit more complex, carefully paced, thoughtful and methodical. If your looking for gun play and explosions I'd recommend Guardians of the Galaxy instead but if you're looking for a palate cleanser from all the blockbusters we've been getting lately I'd very much recommend seeking this film out. It's a well made piece of film-making from a director not afraid to focus on moments of reflection rather than spectacle and it's something to admire. Not a masterpiece like Tinker Tailor but streets ahead of your generic spy film. *cough* Jack Ryan *cough* (honestly forgot that film came out at the start of this year)...
4 out of 5 stars.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
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