Review of Traitor (1971) by Jeff B — 17 Aug 2010

Though it does not wholly succeed at being a thinking man?s actioner, Traitor never once betrays its audience. What the film lacks in its uneven mix of thrills and discourse, it more than makes up for in balls-to-the-wall ambition, presenting a story that is both original and gutsy. Some conflicting unresolved strands may rankle those who think through the whole shebang (Regardless of allegiance, can a bombmaker really have a conscience?). These strands aside, however, the sterling performances and some appropriate Hitchcockian twists will keep John Q. Filmgoer fully invested.

In the PG-13 rated political thriller Traitor, Cheadle plays a former U.S. Special Ops officer who becomes the lead suspect in a dangerous international terrorist conspiracy.

Your reviewer would pay to watch Cheadle read the funny papers. Having appropriately paid his dues for years in H?Wood supporting roles, the actor has proven that he has feature status chops again (Hotel Rwanda) and again (Talk to Me). This political thriller, however, also boasts Pearce, a player whose brave performances have wowed indie filmgoers again (LA Confidential) and again (Memento) and again (The Proposition). Even with limited screen time, he makes his presence well known. Also, Steve Martin (yes, THAT Steve Martin) is given story credit for Traitor. And anybody who has seen Picasso at the Lapin Agile off-Broadway knows well how intelligent a playwright he can truly be. Though he ultimately makes some ballsy assertions concerning religion within the context of terrorism, the film does invite more dialogue once the popcorn has been digested.

Bottom line: Tic?Tic?Good.