Julian RuncanSpy Game: No Toys Here
June 9th 2010 15:12
Spy Game accomplished a rare feat. It is a "realistic" spy film, but unlike similar works in the genre, it actually managed to keep my attention for its duration. The missions felt authentic, characters were intelligent without coming off as psychics, and Robert Redford clearly hasn't had any work done. Some of the characters' actions may be questionable, especially for such highly trained agents, but they are just human after all.
The problem with a "realistic" spy movie, is that it's hard to make it exciting. When the whole world is usually on the line, it can be tough to make the audience care about the outcome of trade negotiations. Most of the time, Spy Game's characters are interesting enough to overcome this, but there are occasions where the film feels like it stalls for a bit.
Redford and Pitt handle the mentor/apprentice dynamic well, and left me wishing there were more scenes directly involving the duo. The way all of the characters play each other it quite captivating, but the ending feels somewhat lackluster considering all of the build-up. The end still got the job done however, and the entire film has a great visual style that keeps the viewer engaged.
If you're expecting the action of a Bourne movie, Spy Game will disappoint, but you may still be charmed by the characters and subtlety. The film has a similar feel to Body of Lies, but this time the characters are strong enough to carry their respective loads. This is a different kind of spy film, a sincere one, but it's still executed in an entertaining manner.
7.5/10
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Spy Game is one of those ones that really wasted several opportunities for me. The twists were very obvious and the air of realism removed by by Tony Scott's self-conscious camera Direction.
Worst of all for me is it contradicts itself as it descends into ridiculous idealism that doesn't fit inside the espionage field.
Still not a total bunk and granted on a switch your brain off level it entertains...but it could have been in the same league as The Spy Who came in From the Cold, Scorpio or Syriana if just handled with restraint.
Comment by David O'Connell
Screen Fanatic
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
JD, I actually think the movie proves the point about idealism not fitting inside the world of espionage. Redford's decision to lie, scheme, and deceive in order to save Pitt actually makes that point. It thought the irony was great.
However, Tony needs to tone down on the fast editing - I think he went overboard in Domino.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
If Redford and Pitt had NOT succeeded then i would be more inclined to agree.
Comment by Deni
Abstract Magick
Cinema Herald
I've only just thought this up when you mentioned what you did in your initial post, otherwise I never would have drawn these conclusions. It's been a long time since I seen this movie and I remember thinking it was a tender moment at the end when Pitt realized it was Redford who helped with his escape and despite their differences they had a mutual respect. I thought it was friend saving friend and perhaps that's a small part of it but now, I don't really think it was that at all.
You said:
Redford succeeded while Pitt failed.
I think (IMO) it was important that Redford succeeded to prove why he was the master and good at what he did. The movie is all about Teacher/Student. Pitt was a young pup learning from an old Pro. If Redford would have failed at the end of the movie then the whole point of why he's the best would have been meaningless.
Idealism was Pitt's flaw and that's why he failed at espionage. Redford proved this when he rescued him with the practiced skills he was trying to teach Pitt.
I'm inclined to believe Redford hammered that point by using the catch-phrase to name his rescue mission so that Pitt would recognize that Redford saved him at a tremendous cost and I'm sure Pitt also figured what Redford did in order to pull it off - at least enough for Pitt to respect him and recognize that he was right all along.
Either way, you brought up a good point and I never would have made my connection if you hadn't said what you said.
Cheers,
Deni
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
I think we both agree that the film delivers a degree of entertainment, we just differ on how far on the scale it is.
In the case of Spy Game it really is more a case of personal expectations. From the exciting set up for the film that emphasized "intelligence" (another frustrating peeve, films that say they are smart but end up better enjoyed with a few beers) the script established a tone that said "hey, you are meant to be thinking" and so my mind was switched to the "on" position making it hard to swallow the third act.
On a side note I do enjoy Tony Scott's True Romance, Revenge and The Hunger too, so I am not adverse to his style when it enhances an exuberant tone.