Film Review: Reviewed By Jamie Russell; 3 out of 5

The second directorial outing of screen legend Robert De Niro ambitiously charts the secret history of America's Central Intelligence Agency, from the beginning of the Second World War to the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. There's little chance here for star Matt Damon to reprise his Jason Bourne-style superspy heroics in his role as Edward Wilson, a patriotic desk jockey who sacrifices everything (his marriage and perhaps even his soul) to become an automaton in this vast bureaucratic machine. Concentrating on the humdrum reality of paperwork, files and folders, Eric Roth's well-researched screenplay strips the spy movie of its glamour, while telescoping history through one man's personal tragedy. It's a bold narrative move that succeeds only fitfully - not least because De Niro's ploddingly competent direction robs the drama of the impact it deserves. Terrific supporting turns from William Hurt, John Turturro and Angelina Jolie (as Wilson's wife) add gloss, but they can't prevent the film from feeling as coldly dispassionate as its protagonist.

Plot Summary

Spy drama directed by Robert De Niro, who also features in a cameo role alongside stars Matt Damon and Angelina Jolie. The development of the Central Intelligence Agency is seen through the experiences of agent Edward Wilson, from the Second World War to the aftermath of the Bay of Pigs disaster in 1961.