The Good Shepard - This is What Acting is All About

Forget car chases and things that blow up in the night, if you want to be totally entertained by an ensemble cast of great performances, "The Good Shepard," is the film to see. Written by Eric Roth and directed by Robert DeNiro, it is essentially the beginning of the C.I.A. (Central Intelligence Agency) through one man's eyes and point of view, Edward Wilson (played by Matt Damon). This is without a doubt Wilson's story. Beginning in the late 1930's up through the 'Bay Of Pigs,' the rise of Castro, Hitler, and the Cold War, we are witness to some of the most influential aspects in American History (expertly shown through flashbacks and real film footage). The film is much more exploratory in regards to the concept of family, love, and betrayal. All are wrapped up in cleverly unopened secrets. DeNiro, who also has a supporting role in the film, flawless directs this film and actors into a state of 'uneasy silence and quiet.' Damon's never been better as an actor. He portrays his character much like a cat. Always observing, cunning, and with an understated sense of calm and intelligence. Angelina Jolie as Wilson's seductive wife, "Clover" Margaret Russell, proves once again something we may have forgotten over the past year or so, the woman is an exceptional actress. She's not merely a 'cover girl' for the supermarket rag tabloids. She certainly holds her own. Starting out as the seductress - sexy and gorgeous, as the film moves along and her world unravels, Jolie mirrors all that surrounds her. Leaving her for the most part, empty, broken, lonely and extremely lost in the world.

It's not certain watching the film how much input DeNiro really had with such seasoned veterans. He has said in interviews, that he himself cast the film. There isn't a weak performance in the bunch. William Hurt plays Philip Allen, essentially the man to the immediate right of the President of the United States. His character is complex and at times, we're really not sure what side he's really on. This also adds another dimension to the film. Alec Baldwin, Gabriel Macht, Michael Gambon, and Tammy Blanchard are mesmerizing and screen grabbing in every scene they appear.

There is more to "The Good Shepard," than just the spy and espionage angle. There is also the relationship between a father and son. Starting with Wilson's induction into the secret society of the Skull and Bones at Yale (whom boasts as its members: a Presidents, various Vice President's and other men of incredible influence) we begin to see the influences that may or may not move him into the directions and decisions he makes.
"The Good Shepard," is a well rounded, well written and smart film that tells its story piece by piece, frame by frame. I eagerly await the next installment. It is currently in the works. And should it boast this same cast, director and writer, it should certainly prove once again to be 'storytelling' at its finest. I expect to see all these actors at the Academy Awards this year not only as nominees but as winners.