For those who can identify with Wilson, this is cinematic gold

Rating: 10/10 (26 August 2007)

Walking into a showing of the Good Shepherd on its' opening Friday, I was instantly a bit miffed at the "mainstream-ness" of the crowd. Sure, the likes of Damon, Jolie, and DeNiro meant a good opening weekend, but I knew exactly what these people were in for. Judging from interviews and reviews I had read before going, I knew that this movie would be severely lacking in the car-chases and shootouts that many people seem to have tacked on as a necessity to any "spy" movie. This isn't to say that its unwillingness to show these made it good, far from it, but I at least knew that Deniro was going to try and remain faithful to what it was (probably) like to be one of the founding members of the CIA.
The key to this movie, and that which has split audiences and critics alike, is Damon's portrayal of Edward Wilson (drawn from the real life James Angleton). Those who dislike the performance will call the character a boring, dispassionate fellow, while some (like me), think of him as anything but. Damon may be silent throughout much of the movie, but the character he portrays is a calculating, distant, and very clever man who depends on secrecy in order to keep himself out of danger. These qualities were what instantly made me identify with him, and in a way, envy him. Sure nobody wants to be a lifeless drone, but the passion (albeit subdued) that drives this man to sacrifice for the good of his country is admirable.
If you feel the same way, then this movie will undoubtedly sweep you up within the first five minutes. Give it a try, one thing thats for sure is that this is without a doubt the most realistic movie about the CIA ever made.