Film review: Syriana

A slick flick

George Clooney
Syriana * * * 1/2
Dir: Stephen Gaghan
Cast: George Clooney, Matt Damon

Plot: From the writer of the brilliant Traffic comes one of the most intriguing and demanding movies of our times. Syriana is a story of barons and nations who want to drill holes in the Middle East to fill their pockets, creating a hard-to-fill void.

Three stories are happening in three different parts of the world in the film. While most of the action takes place in the Gulf, there are other players who have a lot to do as well.

A CIA agent nearing retirement (George Clooney), an energy analyst burdened by a grave loss (Matt Damon) and an attorney with soaring ambitions (Jeffrey Wright) make up the key characters in a movie that’s as complex as its cast.

You need to have an itch to know and be informed if you want to enjoy the process of decoding Syriana. Shifting between Iran, Switzerland, the Persian Gulf, United States and many other places, the story starts gripping you once the small subplots start merging creating a clearer picture.

Acting: Clooney has already taken home the Globe and the Oscar for his portrayal of CIA agent Bob Barnes who figures out he’s a mere pawn in the hands of his agency.

Not only did he gorge on cheesy pastas to put on 30 pounds for the film, but he also read enough literature to study the backdrop he’s set against. In his overgrown beard, and ruffled look, Clooney gives one of the finest performances of his career.

What’s hot: The fact that Syriana demands your attention is its biggest asset. It rewards you not only with fine performances, but a story with fictional characters against a real premise.

The camera has beautifully captured the entire Gulf region. Also the parallel story of the Pakistani workers who fear deportation drives home a point that it could happen in your backyard as well.

What’s not: This isn’t a film that is handed on a platter. You need to concentrate, listen hard and have some basic knowledge about the geo-political situation in the region to start off with.

Also the pace is inconsistent, slow at times, while dramatic when least expected. The subject of oil lobbyists from the west luring the Arabs with lucrative deals isn’t new. It’s been happening for years, but the treatment that Gaghan gives the film, makes it interesting.

Bottom line: Honestly, Syriana isn’t a film for everybody. It isn’t a popcorn flick, but one that requires patience and deep understanding of the complex subject.