The Good Shepherd

Robert De Niro does a good job of directing this film which is all about how the CIA came into being. The story (based on truth) is told through the eyes of the fictional character Edward Wilson (Matt Damon). Wilson is first approached for the job when he attends Yale. He is a member of the famous Skull and Bones fraternity. Even as a young man he displays the traits of being remote and suspicious. As he gets older he grows even colder. It is almost as if he has no soul. His career may be booming but his personal life is almost non-existent. He is married to Margaret Russell (Angelina Jolie) but I wouldn't really call it a marriage. They have one son, Edward Jr. (played as an adult by Eddie Redmayne) who misses having his father around and wants to get to know him in the worst way.

Damon is very good as Wilson. He perfectly captures Wilson's chilly exterior. Jolie is also very good but her role isn't that big. There are a number of other great actors in the film. Instead of saying who played what role I will just give you a list of some of the actors in the film: Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, Michael Gambon, William Hurt, Joe Pesci and John Turturro. There are other amazing actors in the film as well. And De Niro has a small role as General William Sullivan. Everyone is up to par.

Eric Roth's has written an intelligent original screenplay (I'm not going to say much about the plot. You will have to see the film for yourself). You do have to pay attention to details but the payoff is rewarding. There are lots of clues and later on you will find yourself saying to yourself "I should have seen that coming." However, I don't understand it when people tell me that the film is confusing. If you pay attention you will have no problem following the story. This film doesn't have any explosions or car chases. If that is what you are looking for then this film is not for you. But if you want to use your brain then check out The Good Shepherd. You will be glad that you did.