Rent Spy Game (2001)

Good Solid Spy Drama - Spy Game review by GI

A complex plotted espionage drama from the master of cross cut editing, Tony Scott. This has a story that keeps you hooked throughout and you can see some similarities with the Bourne series. It's not as action packed but the characters and story emulate those in that franchise. Indeed it's said that Brad Pitt turned down the Jason Bourne role to appear in this film. He plays Bishop, a CIA agent who is caught trying to free a prisoner from a Chinese jail. His former boss Muir (Robert Redford) is pulled in by his bosses who want all the information he has on Bishop. Muir soon realises that Bishop is to be sacrificed and he plays his own game at CIA HQ to get Bishop freed. Told with great flashback sequences the story forms of a strong working relationship between the two men that is damaged by the involvement of a woman (Catherine McCormack). What's great about this film is the mind games and manipulation that Muir employs against a team of top bosses with a well written and superbly directed film. There are some good set pieces although this is less an action film than a good spy drama. It certainly has that great Scott style with changes of colour palette for the different time periods the flashback scenes are set. Above all though it's a solid, well crafted film that hasn't had the audience it deserves. If you love a good spy film this one is worth checking out.