TNMC
This site’s design is only visible in a graphical browser that supports web standards, but its content is accessible to any browser or Internet device.
This ain't no Game
Guess what we are doing for the next four working days? Oh, no... Another script review marathon. Well it actually started yesterday with John's review of Black Sheep. Today, we have my thoughts on the script to Spy Game and tomorrow is Hollyfeld's take on Tick Tock. As for the last two reviews, I'll keep my mouth shut and only tell you it will be worth the wait...
Spy Game Script Review
There were two men responsible for the discovery of Brad Pitt: Ridley Scott and Robert Redford. Scott casted him as the blonde bombshell who tempts the renegade women of Thelma and Louise, while Redford gave him one of his first dramatic lead roles in his film A River Runs Through It. Ten years later, Pitt is finally reunited with Redford on screen directed in a film by Ridley's brother Tony. The project is Spy Game, written by Michael Frost Beckner with a rewrite by David Arata.
On his last day at the CIA, Nathan Muir (Robert Redford) is asked to help with one big last case. A former protégé of his, Tom Bishop (Brad Pitt) has been captured in China after a failed mission that wasn't sponsored by the agency. The CIA Director and his staff are scrambling to figure out why Bishop turned rogue. Muir offers his expertise of Bishop's character to stall his departure from the CIA. In flashbacks, Muir tells the story of how he recruited, mentored and trained Bishop and finally how one woman (Catherine McCormack) drove them apart.
From the minute I heard about this project I was intrigued to read the script. I was not disappointed at all. The story is a fine spy thriller, something we have not seen in a while. Flashbacks are a big part of the screenplay and this narrative tool is very well used through out the story. Like in most thrillers, we know really little at the beginning and slowly we begin to see the big picture. The writers did an amazing job of establishing Muir and Bishop's characters and the relationship between the two. I had no problem believing the mentor/student relationship at all. As for the action scenes, they were interesting and well constructed. The movie didn't depend on them since it is more of a thriller then an action film.
MUIR
You'll find that getting someone to spy for you is no different than getting a housewife who's never met you before to invite you out onto her balcony for a cop of coffee...
For most Gen-Y movie fans, Robert Redford is only a name. Not an actor, just a name associated with the Sundance festival. In the last 10 years, he has not played a role that would be worthy of mention in his illustrious career. I believe the role of Nathan Muir could put an end to that. He's the lead role of the movie and his supporting actor is Brad Pitt, it cannot get any better than that. The screenwriters did a fine job of constructing his character. He's interesting and nothing like the typical Redford persona. The only real problem could be that Redford carries the movie on his back. If the film fails, it could definitely be because of his performance.
BISHOP
You burnt Gridenko -- No -- used me to burn him, to flush her. Gridenko wasn't just a passport number -- a name on a f**king operations list... Goddamnit, I told him his family would be safe -- the poor asshole trusted me!
In his troika of 2001 movies, that include The Mexican and Ocean's 11, this is by far my favorite Brad Pitt role. Do not worry, he will be amazing in Ocean's 11 as Danny Ocean's right-hand man. Playing second fiddle to Robert Redford is an interesting concept. I am curious to see which name will be on top of the poster. His role is more subtle and less flashy then Redford. I'm sure Pitt can handle that very well. His character has far less dialog too but that's understandable since Redford is the narrator. We see Tom Bishop transforming from a clueless soldier to a cold blooded CIA agent. I doubt the writers could have done a better job with his changes. The rest of the characters are good. The woman that comes between them is all right, but her role could have been a little more built up. The attachments between her and Bishop are not deep enough when Muir comes and tries to destroy their love. Perhaps the following rewrites do a better job of explaining their relationship.
I am certain Tony Scott should have no problem turning this very good script into a must-see movie. I've got high hopes for this film and I seriously doubt that we will be disappointed.
Stay tuned...
That's all folks...
Jean-François Allaire (aka DeadPool)
Questions, comments, praise etc. Email me at deadpool@tnmc.org
Jean-François Allaire is TNMC's first columnist. At only 24 years old he has become a respected entertainment journalist, with his columns appearing in Corona's Coming Attractions and Scr(i)pt magazine. He also writes a monthly column in Screenwriters Monthly entitled 'The Last Word.' Hailing from Montreal this young writer is determined to dig up all the details on the movies before they hit your local theater. If you're part of a movie production then you really need to be talking to him.
