He seems reluctant to trim his film with the cold eye of earlier works. Alongside Eastwood, Gene Hackman can't take the cliche out of President Alan Richmond. Judy Davis has the impossible task of finding any reality in White House Chief of Staff Gloria Russell. Ed Harris brings his mark of reliability to investigating detective Seth Frank, but has to try too hard to make something of the romantic sub-plot. Dark scenes have a sparkle to them.
Resolution is maximized by the anamorphic treatment.
You can look into the pupils of the actors eyes. Too bad there's little to be discovered behind the camera boundaries. Color is flawless, tightly bound in ever scene. Music and dialogue are in perfect balance and effects blend well, maximizing their impact.