See film “Body of Lies”

Lauren Millslagle / Staff Writer / The USD Vista

“Body of Lies” follows CIA agent Roger Ferris, played by Leonardo Dicaprio, as he weaves a web of intricate strategy and deception in the Middle East. His supervisor, Ed Hoffman, played by Russell Crowe, operates from the United States and relies heavily on his cell phone to stay in contact with Ferris. While working towards catching Al-Saleem, the leader of a prominent terrorist group, the two constantly disagree over the morality of the mission objectives.

Ferris has fully immersed himself in the culture of the Middle East for his position, but in the process, he has developed a strong affinity for the people and the traditions they follow, especially a Jordanian gentleman.
Ferris connects with Hani Salaam, played by Mark Strong. Salaam is a charismatic character that is dangerously powerful and has a father-like fondness for Ferris.

The relationship between the two is fundamental to the film.

Ferris’ compassion is starkly contrasted against Hoffman, who has the more common callous American view that can be typified as unsympathetic and ignorant towards the people of the Middle East. His missions for Ferris often discount the importance of the lives of the Muslim people that Ferris holds in high esteem.

My main issue with this film is Crowe’s portrayal of Hoffman. I understand that the character was supposed to be a little sassy and quirky, but Crowe showed an obnoxiously aloof character with an embarrassingly inconsistent and unauthentic southern accent. It made the character neither likable nor respectable and made Hoffman seem weak despite his high rank in the CIA. His on screen performance was sagging, both physically and verbally. It would have been beneficial to the film to cast someone other than Crowe for this role.

While the explosions, fast paced dialog, excellently choreographed fighting and car chases have been done before, the underlying humanitarian message has never before been so perfectly executed.

Dicaprio’s performance is convincing, and he does a superb job showing that it is possible for a westerner to appreciate the Middle East. Strong’s portrayal of Salaam was expertly executed and his character was my personal favorite.