Review: Breach

Chris Cooper will probably never find another role as note-perfect as Sheriff Sam Deeds, nor a film as perfect as Lone Star. Fortunately, though, he hasn't given up trying, and he managed to come close to both of those high-water marks playing real-life FBI leak Robert Hanssen in last year's under-appreciated gem, Breach.

As we watched Breach tonight, I was reminded of Kevin Costner in No Way Out, but not in a way flattering to Mr Costner (or anyone else involved with that 1987 thriller). Both films involve a trusted agent betraying critical secrets to the Russians from within the midst of the U.S. government itself, but where No Way Out opts for thrills and chills by lining up coincidence after coincidence to keep you from thinking too much about the improbability of it all, Breach rewards its audience's intelligence by delivering deep and complex characters. It probably also helps that one was a work of fiction whereas the other was based on a high-profile case in the real world.

The story in Breach builds slowly, as we're first told one thing - along with Ryan Phillippe's character, Eric O'Neill - only to discover that there's more going on than we've been lead to believe. We expect to cheer against traitor Robert Hanssen, especially after meeting him and his surly attitude, but then we can't help but start to like him, at least a little.

All of the actors in Breach do a terrific job, but special mention has to go to Cooper and Laura Linney, who plays FBI chief Kate Burroughs. The two of them don't actually share any scenes together, which is kind of a shame considering the sparks that might've flown between their characters. Linney's Burroughs is appropriately tough as nails, but also shows just a hint of vulnerability when discussing her unsatisfying personal life and how much it would mean to her professionally to put Hanssen away. As for Cooper, his great scenes are numerous and showcase his amazing range as an actor, but none can top his "meltdown" moment when he implores his subordinate to respect him when he intones, "I... matter... plenty!"

As with other great movies like The Contender and even Lone Star itself, I suspect that some people won't find the material in Breach fast-paced enough to hold their attention-deficit-depleted interest. If that's true, then it's sadly their loss.

Rating: ****