Almost -so very close

Rating: 7/10 (17 May 2007)

As a person who grew up around all that arrogance in the 50s, I must say the movie almost caught it. It went a long way to portray the attitude with which this element of our government was born, nurtured and finally took over the motus operandi of the boys in charge. what it missed is the absolute certainty of those characters - of their righteousness, and complete self assurance with which they go about their daily business - what makes it possibler for Guantanamo to thrive - They are better than us, they know more than us, they are smarter than us, and they know what's best for us. But as I say I was almost convinced. And I know these people. They don't judge themselves, they don't check themselves - they were BORN right! Intrinsically through every fiber of their body it is a forgone conclusion. Good Ol' Boys they call 'em. It's how a Vice President can shoot somebody in the face & get away with it.
In any case - the movie is waay too long - like you tried to stick Godfather I II & III in the same movie. This movie is worth watching, but you know what's really missing? COMIC RELIEF!! Jeez a little levity pleez! Somber is the theme of the day but even John Le Carre stuck a little humor into his gray coated rendezvous. Like when the bus boy thinks Smiley has gone mad when he suggests the wine bottle "breathe a little"
A serious look into that period. Do it again with some humor and commitment and it'll be just right.