Syriana (2005)

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If you don't pay attention during this film you won't have a clue as to what's going on.  It's a complex political thriller that has many intertwined stories with many characters.  The film tells the story of those involved, or affected, by the oil industry, from the powerful American oil companies to the men working in the oil fields. With limited resources the supply of oil is a global concern and many are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure supplies.

Thankfully, and unlike many films, the plot isn't over-explained, but as the stories progress the connection between the characters and the intertwined stories becomes clearer.  One of the drawbacks in having so many characters and storylines in the film is that the time spent on each one is limited and, therefore, the development of some characters and some of the story lines is a little weak.

The wide array of characters in the film include CIA agents, Arab Princes, powerful American executives, poor oil workers, corporate lawyers, economic advisors, and terrorists.  There is a strong cast in the film with each one nicely matched with their character.

Acting in the film is very good all round.  George Clooney plays experienced CIA agent Bob Barnes.  Clooney put on some weight, and grew a beard for the part.  He certainly doesn't look as suave as he normally does.  He plays his part very convincingly and for his efforts he won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards (2006).

Matt Damon also plays his part well.  His character, Bryan Woodman, is an economic/financial advisor to an Arab Prince.  Amanda Peet plays his wife Julie Woodman.

Lasting Thought:  What going to happen when the 'black gold' runs out!

Bottom Line: A complex thriller that is very interesting but might have been a little ambitious by trying to include too many characters and to incorporate too many storylines.

If you enjoy Syriana you might also like enjoy Spy Game,  The Manchurian Candidate, or The Interpreter.

Reviewed by Niall Quinn, Premier Movie Reviews 2006.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:

MATT DAMON: Ocean's Eleven,  Ocean's Twelve,  The Bourne Supremacy,  The Bourne Identity,  The Legend of Bagger Vance,  The Talented Mr. Ripley.

AMANDA PEET: A Lot Like Love,   Changing Lanes,  Identity,  Something's Gotta Give.

CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER: A Beautiful Mind,  Cold Creek Manor,  National Treasure.

Chris Cooper: Adaptation,  Me Myself and Irene,  Seabiscuit,  The Bourne Identity,  The Bourne Supremacy,  The Patriot.

JEFFREY WRIGHT: The Manchurian Candidate.

ALEXANDER SIDDIG: Kingdom Of Heaven,  Vertical Limit.

Genre: Political Thriller

Director: Stephen Gaghan

Certificate: Syriana was rated (15A) by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 15 years of age or upwards. Persons under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Violence = strong. Drugs = mild. Sex/Nudity = none. Language = strong.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: Syriana

~ Main Cast ~

George Clooney

Matt Damon

Kayvan Novak

Amr Waked

Christopher Plummer

Jeffrey Wright

Amanda Peet

Chris Cooper

Alexander Siddig