Four stars because although the story drags a bit, it does makes you think. I’ve watch it twice trying to figure out a few questions. (see entry below)

Watching, I was getting the feeling I’d get in my English Lit classes when trying to figure themes and symbolism; but I like that sort of thing.

The casting was… I think this was a difficult movie to cast. Towards the end Matt Damon looks more like the big brother than the father. I think Jared Leto would have been a better choice. Clean shaven he looks like a kid but put a beard on him he ages 15 years. Angelina Jolie has far to strong presence to play that character. The woman who played Laura would have been the perfect choice for the role of the wife. Yes, those two should have swapped roles.

[SPOILERS]

What exactly does “tie your shoes” mean? Is it like washing your hands of someone? Why did he tie the man’s shoes? What was the message he was sending? Obviously he knew what was coming in the near future, right?

Which side arranged that that incident before the wedding? Was it the father?

Film that explores the world behind and before a CIA agent, played by Matt Damon. Quite the long runner (167 minutes), this Robert De Niro-directed film shows the inner workings of a man who isn’t allowed to say anything as he’s so deep into secrets that they affect him in all ways. His private life is Bergmanesque, his work is impeccable and soulless, yet he goes on living. Damon’s character is the type I’d like to force to see Kurosawa’s “Ikiru”, being the complete antidote. Enough digressing; this film is valid, exploring the soul of the main character without plodding too far into espionage from the 1950’s into the 1970’s. Good effort, yet a tad too long. Also, I felt Matt Damon’s character never aged visibly. Angelina Jolie’s did, but not his.

This movie runs nearly three hours and it’s difficult to track the plot and characters through all the twists and turns (and the spy speak). It beautifully shot and well acted. The story isn’t one with a clear message (trust no one?) and it’s a bit dark. That seems to be a theme in our movie selections lately. Oh well. I guess I should move a comedy to the top of our Netflix list. ;)

This movie slowed down my breathing. Unique scenarios come up that kept me interested.

This movie was too long and the characters get very boring after awhile. I don’t recommend seeing this in the theater as you will get very antsy. The story is interesting and has a leftist slant which is nice but just too long.