Syriana
(2005—Stephen Gaghan —USA) When it comes to what’s going on in the world these days, you can never be tooooooo paranoid. In “Syriana” we are never quite clear about what is going on, but we Always get the general idea. What’s going on is the pillaging of the world for the sole good of greedy and ruthless companies and individuals. The CIA, the larger American government, the Chinese, the Europeans and Others are all in individual cahoots in this pillage. The victims of the pillage are any who have anything that the pillagers want. George Clooney turns in a great and edgy performance as a CIA career operative who gradually becomes aware of his country’s true intentions in the Middle East. There are many other great performances in this stunning film, as well. These include that of Alexander Siddig as an idealistic mid-eastern prince who becomes the target of a successful American assassination. Christopher Plummer turns in an amazingly sinister performance playing the role of Dean Whiting. The international oil executives are all effective in acting out roles of monstrous intentions in the most volatile part of the world. As the film’s tag line says, “Everything is connected” and “Syriana” is a Truly Terrifying and Totally Riveting film. This is not true because we understand every scene in it. Nor is it because we understand how all the scenes are interrelated. “Syriana” is Totally Riveting and Truly Terrifying because, unlike many movies, and as Rosemary said, in another context, “This is no dream! This is *really* happening.” (2 hours 6.)