Spy thrillers set in the Middle East? Lots of automatic weapons, bombs and non-stop violence, right? It wasn’t always like this though. I came across a tense, stylish, moody film on #Netflix that almost seems from a different era.
ASHOK’s FIVE reviews #Beirut, directed by #BradAnderson and starring #JonHamm and #RosamundPike. It is the story of American diplomat Mason Skiles who is based in Lebanon. He and his wife shelter a thirteen-year-old boy Karim. The CIA swoop down on them with the information that Karim’s elder brother is accused in the killings at the 1972 Munich Olympic games. In the gunfire that ensues, Mason’s wife is killed. Cut to 1982, Mason is now an alcoholic labour-consultant in the United States. He is called in to Beirut to help with the release of a CIA operative who has been kidnapped by a grown-up Karim.
1. #Beirut is very well written with tension filled scenarios, sharp dialogues and interesting characters. The screenplay and the action never go overboard and manages to keep you hooked.
2. #JonHamm is his usual suave, confident self, bolstered by some terrific screenwriting by #TonyGilroy of the Bourne franchise fame. He is ably assisted by some excellent character acting by #DeanNorris, #SheeWigham and #LarryPine.
3. An interesting aspect of the film is how personal baggage is woven into the Middle East milieu so effortlessly. The war-ravaged shots of Beirut and the emotional upheavals add to the poignancy. Mason, along with his handler revisit his old home, now in shambles. #BjornCharpenteer’s cinematography lends an able helping hand in this context.
4. Somewhere in the beginning of the film, Mason describes Lebanon as ‘a boarding house without a landlord’. Back in the seventies, this country was caught squarely in the middle of a crisis with the PLO on one side and the Israelis on the other and the Christian militia in the centre. Amidst all this, the American expats working there faced their own challenges. All this is captured very well.
5. One drawback though is the glossing over of the characters on the other side. Karim’s character for example, is not sketched out well enough and leaves you wondering about his motivations in calling for Skiles to negotiate the kidnapping.
#Beirut almost feels like it belongs to another decade. Watch it for a masterclass in how skilful writing can build tension and suspense. You don’t always need the guns and bloodshed to keep you on the edge of your seat!
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