Today’s quick review: The Good Shepherd. In 1961, CIA division head Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) attempts to pick up the pieces of the Agency’s failed invasion of Cuba at the Bay of Pigs. As Edward follows the trail of clues to find out who leaked the operation to the Soviets, he reflects on key events of his life: his time at Yale, his marriage to Margaret (Angelina Jolie), his intelligence work during the War, and the founding of the CIA.
The Good Shepherd is a historical spy drama about the founding of the CIA and one of its greatest crises. The Good Shepherd follows Edward Wilson from the late 30s to the early 60s as he’s inducted into the intelligence business and becomes involved in some of its most pivotal moments. A strong dramatic cast, a nuanced lead, and a set of well-chosen puzzle pieces make The Good Shepherd an effective and cohesive drama.
The Good Shepherd has a knack for picking its scenes. The story steps through Wilson’s life years at a time, but each stop manages to be engaging on its own and meaningful to the big picture. The Good Shepherd also unfolds into a mystery without seeming to as the hunt for the leaker begins to tie into Wilson’s past. The plot is still broad and nonlinear, but there are enough connections between the plot threads to make it feel cohesive.
For his part, Matt Damon makes for a nicely ambiguous lead as Edward Wilson. Wilson is driven by a mix of altruism and human frailty. The ideals he aspires to and the compromises he makes, personally and professionally, are a large part of what drives the drama. The Good Shepherd also sports a distinguished supporting cast that includes Angelina Jolie, Robert de Niro, Alec Baldwin, John Turturro, and William Hurt in roles of varying size.
The film does have a few drawbacks that will grate on the wrong viewer. For all that it tries to be comprehensible, The Good Shepherd is still a spy movie with plenty of moving parts, and its long run time and large cast give the audience lots to keep track of. The scenes may be compelling on their own, but they take a long time to tie together. The film also relies on its protagonist and loses much of its appeal if he doesn’t click.
Watch The Good Shepherd when you’re in the mood for a robust drama that captures the highs and lows of the mid-20th century intelligence landscape. The movie’s well-judged story and solid craftsmanship make it a worthwhile pick for those looking for something grounded and serious. Those looking for pulse-pounding action, a direct story, or clear-cut heroism may want to give it a pass.
For another tense, grounded peek into spycraft, try Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. For a CIA thriller with more action and a modern setting, try Spy Game.
6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for an elaborate and well-crafted story.