The Good Shepherd (2006)

Director:

Robert De Niro

Writer (WGA):

Eric Roth (written by)

Release Date:

22 December 2006 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

Edward Wilson believed in America, and he would sacrifice everything he loved to protect it.

Plot:

The tumultuous early history of the Central Intelligence Agency is viewed through the prism of one man's life.

Plot Keywords:

Directed By Star | Infidelity | Liar | Racial Prejudice | Cuban Missile Crisis

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 1 win & 6 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Wed. July 30

3:35 AM

HBO

Cast

Matt Damon	...	Edward Wilson
Angelina Jolie	...	Margaret 'Clover' Russell
Alec Baldwin	...	Sam Murach
Tammy Blanchard	...	Laura
Billy Crudup	...	Arch Cummings
Robert De Niro	...	Bill Sullivan
Keir Dullea	...	Senator John Russell, Sr.
Michael Gambon	...	Dr. Fredericks
Martina Gedeck	...	Hanna Schiller
William Hurt	...	Philip Allen
Timothy Hutton	...	Thomas Wilson
Mark Ivanir	...	Valentin Mironov #2
Gabriel Macht	...	John Russell, Jr.
Lee Pace	...	Richard Hayes
Joe Pesci	...	Joseph Palmi

MPAA:

Rated R for some violence, sexuality and language.

Runtime:

167 min | Russia:139 min (cut version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish | German | Russian

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Portugal:M/12 | South Korea:18 | Ireland:15A | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Geneva) | Argentina:13 | UK:15 | Australia:M | Netherlands:16 | USA:R (certificate #43094) | Philippines:R-13 (MTRCB) | New Zealand:M | Canada:14A (Alberta/British Columbia/Manitoba/Ontario) | Switzerland:12 (canton of Vaud) | Brazil:14 | Malaysia:U (DVD) | Malaysia:18PL | Norway:15 | Singapore:M18 | Germany:12 | Italy:T | Finland:K-15 | Denmark:15 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

49-51 Chambers Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Universal Pictures

Trivia:

Joe Pesci's first movie in 8 years.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Edward and Margaret are arguing in their room (a couple hours into the movie) the light switch on the wall next to the bathroom door goes back and forth from a blank plate to a switch.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Miriam: You are safe here with me.

Movie Connections:

Featured in De Niro: A Self Portrait (2007) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Tribeca Bounce

An intelligent tale of duty and loyalty

I went into the theatre with little knowledge but that I was going to be watching a film about a man who was one of the founders of the CIA. Expecting this, I thought this movie was outstanding and a mind game from start to finish.

What one has to understand about the movie itself is that it is as complicated as the storyline. It starts out with two different time lines, decades apart and slowly one reaches the other. That in itself can be difficult to follow, but it is well worth the effort to pay attention because if you can leave the theatre understanding what took place, you walk away with a little more knowledge about the human complex.

Because this is a story more about the soul and our humanity than it is about spies and country. Those are just the means by which De Niro uses.

Every actor is placed remarkably well and no more so than Matt Damon himself. It is his acting that gives us Edward Wilson; a man without airs who doesn't compromise. The movie spans over twenty years and fortunately we see those years reflected in most of the characters. Angelina Jolie does the neglected, alcoholic wife superbly. William Hurt and Lee Pace as Richard Hayes both give a wonderful performance taking their character's flaws from subtle to substantial by the end.

Some might wonder how so many actors could be recruited for such small roles, like Alec Baldwin, Michael Gambon, and Joe Pesci, but one only has to see as far as the director to get their answer. Don't let the big names and the anagram CIA get you. This movie is as edgy as it is intricate with twists and turns that take the viewer through the world of trust and the human element. A man like Edward Wilson is just the perfect vessel for the journey.