Engrossing history lesson rewards the patient

Rating: 7/10 (26 December 2006)

Robert De Niro's directorial follow-up to 1993's "A Bronx Tale" is a fascinating, deliberately paced story about the CIA and the WASP's that birthed it. This spy tale is paced more like an episode of "Masterpiece Theater" than "Bourne" and this will likely alienate many of star Matt Damon's fans.
Damon plays the fictional Edward Wilson, a careful, focused Ivy grad recruited by the US government to practice counter-intelligence during WWII as part of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services). After the war, President Truman wanted to create a national intelligence agency--before 1945, the responsibility of gathering intelligence was split among several agencies--and the CIA was formed. Wilson and many of his OSS colleagues become the CIA's first agents and directors.
Wilson is a fascinating character who does not so much choose the CIA as he is born into it. He is American royalty--a child of privilege, Ivy educated, and a member of the elite Skull and Bones fraternity. Wilson never appears to make his own destiny as much as he follows a pre-ordained path, tight-lipped and dutifully. Damon's performance is restrained and careful. It is one of the year's best.
Viewers looking for a cinematic jolt will be disappointed with this contemplative spy story that is more about the quiet subterfuge than explosions. It is a challenging film that examines the value of truthfulness and the steady erosion of character in face of overwhelming international threat. As Wilson compromises his values so does the U.S. Some viewers may find this gimmicky, but it is entirely believable that an individual as dutiful and secretive as Wilson is running our CIA.
An engrossing history lesson that rewards the patience and attention of its audience, "The Good Shepherd" is well worth you time.