The Good Shepherd | The Critique

First thing a viewer should know about this directorial venture of Robert De Niro is that it is not a conventional spy movie. It’s a biopic of a fictional character build around real men and real incidents. It might not give you the thrills, it is closest you can go to life of a real spy. With Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, William Hurt, Alec Baldwin and Joe Pesci - The Good Shepherd presents an impressive ensemble of actors.

 

Movie is about life of a spy - Edward - and how he progresses in his career. In a pre-World War - II era, Edward is asked to spy on his professor. His knack for spying is noted and he is given a bigger assignment. On personal front, he struggles through a muddle relationships and marries a girl under special circumstances. After initial jerks, he establishes himself. However, his professional life has a haunting shadow on his personal life. How does he survives and rise through the ranks is the impressive story of Edward Wilson played by Matt Damon.

 

Story is interesting however due to lack of drama often fail to keep audience interested. It is one of those movie which could have been great. Actors have done a good job, especially Damon, but the script failed them. Too much is added and in the end the biblical reference used fails to make any impact. A great opportunity thus wasted too some extent. In short, you might like it as a one-time watch but it will hardly have any mark on your memory. Watch it if you want to know how CIA and other spy agency works. Avoid if you want to see a Jason Bourne.

 

Written By: Sujoy Ghosh