Have yet to find someone I can trust

In an attempt to reexamine the past, director Robert De Niro sheds new light on the wars of the mid-20th century through one man's eyes.

"The Good Shepherd" explores the CIA's birth and the corruption of its founders. Edward Bell Wilson (Matt Damon, "The Departed"), allows the paranoia and suspicion of the intelligence agency to slowly destroy his relationship with his family as well as his once idealistic and trusting nature.

The title, which alludes to Jesus taking care of his people during dark times, cites Edward Wilson as America's "good shepherd," willing to sacrifice anything for the good of his country.

"The Good Shepherd" begins and ends with the Bay of Pigs, shedding new light on the American involvement in the Cold War. Essentially spanning historical events from before World War I until the beginning of the Cold War, this film centers on the formation and evolution of American foreign policy and government intelligence at the expense of one man's personal life.

Wilson is trapped in a loveless marriage with Margaret (Angelina Jolie, "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"). Because of their child together, Edward Jr. (Eddie Redmayne, "Like Minds"), Edward lives his life trusting no one and pining for the woman he really loved. Jolie, with her seductive and colorful image, isn't quite right for the role of the abandoned and betrayed wife, though she carries out her part with class.

Surrounded by a world of distrust and paranoia, Edward is slowly broken down, forced to sacrifice the good of his family for his love of country. De Niro's second attempt at directing clearly portrays the struggling Edward, caught in the midst of betrayal and self-doubt, overplaying the constant theme of "trust no one" throughout the film. Also complimenting this production is Alec Baldwin, whose dark and mysterious character sheds light on Edwards' personal changes.

This film, running over two hours and thirty minutes long, only captures the attention of audiences for about half the time. "The Good Shepherd" will be most appreciated by those with a good background of historical events throughout the mid-1900's, though it is not lost upon less knowledgeable audience members. A sense of personal tragedy keeps audiences intrigued, despite the slow progression of the film.