Should have been an Oscar contender

Rating: 8/10 (15 July 2007)

"The Good Shepherd" is billed as the story of how the CIA began in 1961, but it is really the story of Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) and his involvement in the first covert wing of the CIA.
In his third attempt at directing, Robert De Niro captures the nature of the cold hearted spy with such precision that he seems much more comfortable in the details but less interested in keeping the story gripping. Ironically, this is the exact opposite of the main character Edward Wilson, who keeps his eye on the big picture but misses the small moments he should have noticed, such as, his family.
Nonetheless, "The Good Shepherd" is a great movie that tells us that in a world of lies, cheats and deceits, the one who survives is the one who trusts less, loves less and lives less. Consequently, the main character chooses to stay, and through symbolisms it becomes apparent that Edward Wilson is not able to move on and is trapped and alone in his own world of secrecy. With that, the audience is left with something to reflect on.
Matt Damon does an excellent job by tackling the role of Edward Wilson with such coldness and dedication, in an aloof fashion. This is one of the best roles I've seen him perform.
A movie that should have been a definite Oscar contender. 8/10