Not all spy movies can have high-tech gadgets and exotic women. In fact, some films are able to leave these luxuries at the door and still manage to impress.
Unfortunately, "Breach" is not one of them.
Directed by Billy Ray ("Shattered Glass"), the film tackles the non-fiction spy genre, recently saturated by Robert De Niro's "The Good Shepherd." Prepare for plenty more government buildings, D.C. monuments and power neckties.
Based on a true story, "Breach" follows FBI upstart Eric O'Neil (Ryan Phillippe, "Flags of Our Fathers"), who is assigned to work for decorated FBI operative Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper, "Syriana"). O'Neil's true task is a covert operation to investigate Hanssen for foul play, and before long, it's revealed that Hanssen is a mole for the Soviet Union and the worst traitor in U.S. history.
Aside from the plot setup, nothing about the film really grabs the audience's attention. "Breach" fails to live up to the enormity of the actual events that it's based on.
Suspenseful moments are few and far between, and silly setups are followed by predictable outcomes.
"Breach" moves slowly, with a painfully quiet style that would be more suitable for a film with dynamite acting or a smart screenplay. Unfortunately, neither are present here.
Phillippe's performance is stagnant. His sad puppy-dog expression is interrupted by rare outbursts of unconvincing anger. Phillippe should've taken a lesson or two from Leonardo DiCaprio or Matt Damon who played afflicted informants in Martin Scorcese's "The Departed."
After seeing these seasoned actors nail their parts to wall, watching Phillippe fumble with his role is like watching paint dry. It's borderline torture, really.
Cooper, on the other hand, delivers an impressive performance as usual. Hannsen's part is similar to his supporting role in "American Beauty" in which he plays a closet homosexual marine. Cooper seems to have the part of the ultra-conservative patriot with a deep dark secret down to a science. His ability to expose vulnerability through subtlety is intense.
Cooper's skillful acting, however, can only bring "Breach" so far. His moments of glory are dimmed by the bland script and rusty co-star he has to work with.
Laura Linney ("The Exorcism of Emily Rose") plays Kate Burroughs, the special agent in charge of O'Neil's mission. The character is monotonous, indicative of Linney's performance. Once again, her presence feels like Meryl Streep gone mediocre.
Billy Ray teamed up with William Rotko and Adam Mazer to write the film's screenplay. This is the first screenwriting credit for each of these filmmakers and their inexperience is prevalent, often giving "Breach" an undetectable pulse and an amateurish feel.
The filmmakers did put together some quality work in their juxtaposition of religion and treason. Hanssen was a devout Catholic having attended daily mass while selling secrets to the Soviet Union for cash. The irony of the scenario is put to good use as prayer becomes a prevalent theme in the movie.
The interesting paradox of values, however, isn't nearly enough to compensate for the film's bulk, which barely amounts to mediocrity.
Theaters get "Breached" this Friday.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
