In the congestion of big budget blockbusters, formulaic horror flicks, and unnecessary remakes that 2005 was choked with, Syriana is a breath of fresh air. Centering on the oil industry's impact across the globe, Syriana doesn't really tell us anything new, but still tells an exciting and fascinating story. Intertwining stories include a Persian prince's bid to beat out his brother in taking the throne, a CIA agent uncovering the truth about his career and his agency, a lawyer trying to negotiate a merger between two oil powerhouses, an energy analyst trying to overcome a tragedy, and a young Pakistani man who is let go of his job at an oil plant and gets involved with an extremist group. Most critics think the stories are too confusing and too numerous, but each is important to the big picture and if you pay attention, the movie isn't that hard to follow. And once you understand it, you will be rewarded with one of the best told stories in a long time.
The cast is top notch with George Clooney giving the performance of his career. Gone are his suave looks and witty lines, replaced by a scraggly beard, beer belly, and an unsure-of-himself demeanor. Scene stealer Alexander Siddig portrays the headstrong and sincere prince with a quiet explosiveness, and Matt Damon is better than i thought he would be as the energy analyst. Chris Cooper, Jeffery Wright, Christopher Plummer, and Tim Blake Nelson are just a fraction of the excellent supporting cast. Writer/director Stephen Gaghan makes an outstanding debut (i am not counting Abandon only because i haven't seen it) with one of the best movies of the 2005, and one of the most important films in years. 8/10
The cast is top notch with George Clooney giving the performance of his career. Gone are his suave looks and witty lines, replaced by a scraggly beard, beer belly, and an unsure-of-himself demeanor. Scene stealer Alexander Siddig portrays the headstrong and sincere prince with a quiet explosiveness, and Matt Damon is better than i thought he would be as the energy analyst. Chris Cooper, Jeffery Wright, Christopher Plummer, and Tim Blake Nelson are just a fraction of the excellent supporting cast. Writer/director Stephen Gaghan makes an outstanding debut (i am not counting Abandon only because i haven't seen it) with one of the best movies of the 2005, and one of the most important films in years. 8/10