Review of Breach (2007) by Drew . — 30 Aug 2009

Should be watched in tandem with the made-for TV movie starring William Hurt (Hulu hosts it) which was suprisingly good -- sorry but the title escapes me at the mo. Although based on the same subject as Breach, it rather focuses more on the personal life of America's worst spy, Robert Hansen, aspects of which, are startlingly bizarre and somewhat disturbing.

Breach, on the other hand, deals more with the untold story of the FBI agent who was instrumental in indicting him (Ryan Phillipe's character). The film is good overall, but a bit too ambitious in exposition where Laura Linney carried a lot of the weight in setting-up the story.

There should have been more actors especially from the FBI-side of things, who were responsible in telling the story in a more balanced way. There are only three characters in the movie which revolve around the espionage-based plot; a cat and mouse scenario more than anything.

I recommend watching the extras bonus features too, along with the directors commentary. They all provide a bigger picture into the mind of this tragic character.