The Good Shepherd (2006)

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  January 7, 2012

  cosmo313

  For his second turn as a director, legendary actor Robert De Niro decided to make somehting that was apparently a big pet project and labor of love for him: a slow-burn spy drama (not thriller) about the early years of the CIA, as told through the life of a quiet, reserved, yet o... read morebservant man named Edward Wilson.
  
  While supposedly claiming to give the true story of its subject matter, the film takes the approach of using composites, fictionaluized named, and apparently altered details here and there, and does so using a near three hour run time, and unfolding at a very (very) slow-burning pace. The film jumps back in forth in time between the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs fiasco and everything leaidng up to it starting in 1939, but despite these time jumps, and the fact that the film is so heavy on plot, it's actually far easier to follow ( if you pay attention) than most espionage type films.
  
  I loved that the film was focused on the Cold War, and the beginnings of the CIA, but I was somewhat let down by De Niro's approach. The film is light on frenetic action and violence, prefering to show a more classy and dignified orogin story, and that's fine I guess, but the problem is that the film is really lethargic, depsite some violence here and there, there's not enough going on to keep the momentum up. I atually didn't find the film to be all that boring, but it is extremely long winded. And, thouh I'm okay with the "violence-lite" approach, I think the film could have had a few more scenes of action just so the film could have SOMETHING going on to keep the less patient viewers interested.
  
  I usually bitch about films that take on history that don't put it into a broader context, and while this film is one of those, it's still very academic in how it feels, ie it's less of a popcorn entertainer and more of a history lesson. I'd be more fine with this if the film could have avoided being as dry as its main character. The period details are impeccable though, and the film does have some wonderful cinematography, I just wish it could have been better paced.
  
  The film boasts an impressive supporting cast, with Matt Damon in the lead, Angelina Jolie as his lady, and, in supporting roles of varrying lengths, Billy Crudup, John Turturro, Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, and others, including a welcome, though underwhelming cameo from Joe Pesci. Damon is good. The character is supposed to be dry, closed off, and humorless, and he pulls this off, but unfortunately, though not Damon's fault, the character might be too closed off, too emotionally distant, and thus, really hard to know or care about. Jolie had potential to be a real spark and gives this film some needed energy and drive, and she starts that way, but her character soon fades into the background, and Jolie's talents quickly go severely misused. Of the supporters who have substantial screen time, I give the most props to Hurt. He's always (as far as I know) a solid, standup player.
  
  This film is perplexing. It's got an interesting story and subjext matter, but somewhat lackluster and tedious presentation. The cast is notable, but the performances are hit and miss and none of the characters are really as compelling as they should be. The film has great production values, but doesn't stand out the way it should. I am torn on this one. I didn't hate it, but I don't quite like it either. I actually am fascinated by it and the subject matter, and I have an odd kind of respect for it, even though I'm not fully on board.
  
  I'll just be nice and give it the rare thumbs sideways, as well as a mild recommendation (for a one time viewing only...and even then just for those who can appreciate a reserved, slow burning film that's heavier on atmosphere and ideas than developed and penetrable characters.

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  December 17, 2011

  moonrivers

  Many spy films depict a life of easy affluence and an amusement park of thrills, but this one is far, far different. Instead an existence of miserable ever gnawing fear and isolation, masked beneath a cheesy veneer of " everything's all right", slowly choke even desperation away... read more, leaving a pallid complacency. While admittedly not a work for everyone I found myself riveted.

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  August 15, 2011

  DreamExtractor

  I really enjoyed this movie. The movie was a mix of the orgins and the CIA and the consequences of life this man had to make to protect his country. The plot was genius, even if it did have some fake stuff from real life. There were intense moments, characters, and secrets. T... read morerue it was too confusing and not a reall spy movie, and really long. But its a small price to pay to watch this classic.

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  April 24, 2011

  TheDudeLebowski65

  The Good Shepherd is a film that recounts the origins of the CIA. Robert De Niro directs a good spy thriller. The Goof Shepherd has a stylish period atmosphere and the cast that De Niro has assembled are an impressive bunch of talented actors. The film will certainly appeal to fa... read morens of espionage, but won't appeal to average film buff. I love espionage films so of course I enjoyed this film. The Good Shepherd has everything you'd expect from a top notch espionage film, intrigue, action suspense. Robert De Niro has assembled a cast of incredible talent here. A performance that surprised me was that of Angelina Jolie. Jolie who is normally mediocre in her roles, offers a more than descent performance here as Margaret Russell. The Good Shepherd is a film that won't appeal to everyone, but to those looking for a fine period piece dealing with espionage, then The Good Shepherd is the film that you should check out. The film recounts the birth of the CIA from the World War II era Agency the OSS to the Bay of Pigs invasion. Though a flawed espionage Thriller, The Good Shepherd manages to be engaging and interesting. Though slow and long, I thought the film is one of the best crafted Espionage thrillers in recent memory. There's really nothing to hate about The Good Shepherd, it may not be everyones cup of tea, but those interested in subjects of espionage will certainly be thrilled with this intricate film about the most covert intelligence agency the world has ever known.

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  March 12, 2011

  MrMarakai

  Robert DeNiro's second directorial effort, 14 years after his debut "A Bronx Tale". He again shows that he's as good a director as he is an actor but unfortunately, it's the script that let's this potential classic down.
  In 1961, after the Bay Of Pigs fiasco, CIA agent Edward Wi... read morelson (Matt Damon) tries to learn who leaked word of the planned invasion of Cuba. He recalls his long service with the Agency, and ponders the failure of his marriage to Clover (Angelina Jolie).
  Having been involved in some of the best films ever made and worked with some of the best directors; Scorsese, Leone, Coppola, Bertolucci to name a few. You can see where DeNiro's ambition and scope has come from with this sprawling, convoluted espionage film. First off, he amasses a very impressive cast playing out over a number of years and in split-time frame structure. His attention to detail and eye for capturing time and place is astutely done and wonderfully captured, and it certainly doesn't lack ambition. It's heavily based on fact and covers a lot of ground; the origins of the CIA; Nazi sympathisers; the invasion of Cuba; the cold war conflict with the Soviet Union, as well as Wilson's strained relationship with his wife. Despite all this though, the film is surprisingly lacking in excitement. At times it borders on boring. It's a real shame as everyone involved puts in a good shift but the major problem is the main character. He's so stoic and impassive that it's hard for Damon to deliver a performance that's anything other than awkward and expressionless. It's a difficult character to identify with and he's hardly ever off screen, which is a bit of a slog at a running time approaching 3 hours. There are still many powerful scenes throughout though and Robert Richardson's cinematography is splendid but despite the ambition also shown in Eric Roth's script, it doesn't quite come together as an absorbing or gripping spy thriller, when really it should.
  Considering the talent involved, this is listless and ultimately frustrating. I really want to rate this higher - as I found plenty to enjoy - but can't bring myself to do so.

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• 
  
  July 23, 2010

  bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb1

  B-

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  July 12, 2010

  guaybanex

  In serious need of an editor. Long, slow and plodding.

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  January 15, 2010

  FireStormStudios

  I don't remember this one too well. I remember liking it but also thinking about how long and slow it was. I should probably see it again to give a fair review, becuase this stuff is usually quite interesting.

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• 
  
  January 8, 2010

  StarCrossedVoyager

  The main story of this seemed really interesting with a great cast however, many parts were confusing in the way it skipped and jumped from one time period to another. It was difficult to follow.

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  January 6, 2010

  TomBowler

  Pretty good. Full review later.

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• Matt Damon as Edward Wilson
• Angelina Jolie as Clover/Margaret Russell
• Alec Baldwin as Sam Murach
• Tammy Blanchard as Laura
• Billy Crudup as Arch Cummings
• Robert De Niro as Bill Sullivan
• Keir Dullea as Senator John Russell Sr.
• Michael Gambon as Dr. Fredericks
• Martina Gedeck as Hanna Schiller

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

• 
  The Ides of March (92%)
• 
  Breach (81%)
• 
  The Departed (59%)
• 
  Sid & Nancy (38%)

• • Edward Wilson: I have let a stranger into our house.
• • Clover/Margaret Russell: I'm supposed to be looking for the perfect husband. Are you the perfect husband Mr. Wilson?
  • Edward Wilson: Perfect in every way.
• • Clover/Margaret Russell: Bonesmen first, God second.
• • Clover/Margaret Russell: What are you going to do, Edward? Save the world?
  • Edward Wilson: I'll do what I can.

• what 2 movies did matt damon star in that have the word "good" in the title?  Answer »
• Who directed the movie, 'THE GOOD SHEPHERD?   Answer »
• Which 2006 movie had the following taglines? "Edward Wilson believed in America, and he would sacrifice everything he loved to protect it." "Who is the good shepherd? The one who looks after his family or the one who looks after his country?"  Answer »
• In The Good Shepherd, What was the phrase use by the CIA guys when there was a spy within them????  Answer »

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  THE GOOD SHEPHERD
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  14 taken
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  Easy ones
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• The Good Shepherd Scene: Wilson Meets Brocco In His Office In England
• Trailer: The Good Shepherd
• The Good Shepherd Scene: You're The People That Make Big Wars
• The Good Shepherd Scene: Clover And Wilson Argue About Son
• The Good Shepherd Scene: Clover And Wilson Argue After Dinner
• The Good Shepherd Scene: General Sullivan Tells Wilson About Creating Cia
• The Good Shepherd Scene: Allen And Wilson Talk In Berlin
• The Good Shepherd Scene: Clover And Wilson Talk On The Dance Floor
• The Good Shepherd Scene: Clover Asks Wilison For A Dance

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