Review of A Most Wanted Man (2014) by Tex S — 09 Aug 2014

A Most Wanted Man: A Top Secret Film Review.

The first thing I want to say is that cinema lost a great actor in Phillip Seymour Hoffman. This is his best film; he is excellent. My condolences to his family, friends and more selfishly, to the movie viewing public.

Rachel McAdams is also good, but for some reason, pages and credits for the film didn't have her on the top line of credits even though she plays a major character in the film and is a well known actress. She holds her own with Hoffman though it is clear in her scenes with him who "The Master" is.

Robin Wright has a small but pivotal role. Wright seems to phone it in, reciting the lines well but never making the audience believe, well me at least, that she is a powerful American agent holding back valuable information. It probably doesn't help that she is playing all of her scenes (as far as I recall) with the brilliant Hoffman who takes over every scene even when his agent is moping. However, actress Nina Hoss (playing agent Irna Frey), who is on the same unknown agency's team with Hoffman's agent Günther Bachmann, is also top notch.

Even more out of place was Willem Defoe. He just couldn't get the German accent right, and I kept expecting him to menace someone with a scary look. Daniel Brühl, who was brilliant in last years "Rush" playing Niki Lauda, is as professional as is his agent, in a minor role. His talents are not used to their fullest here. I look forward to seeing more of him in the future.

Enough with the actors. The sets were adequate. They spared all expenses. The dialogue was sometimes loaded with double meanings while propelling the plot and at times muddling, as if the writers said, "fuck it, I'm not rewriting that scene.".

It's from a le Carre' book, so the plot is interesting. They never mention the agency Bachman and Hoss work for (my guess is an Interpol branch) and that niggles. There are other plot holes that irk us as well. However, there are a few surprises along the way, including one game changer. One of the best surprises is a lack of explosions and car chases. It's a spy thriller without explosions and with few chases that remains compelling throughout.

The dialogue, editing and shot selection could have better augmented the tension in the movie. However, plenty of tension was to be had in a film that is not about a serial killer or a space invasion. The music, when I did notice it, was pedestrian. ??Rating: Matinee??It's Hoffman's last film, and it's from a le Carre' book. That's enough for me, despite the film's imperfections. ?

?Peace,?

Tex Shelters.