By Rama Gaind
‘Fair Game’ is an inconvenient truth that had to be told.
Directed by Doug Liman (‘The Bourne Identity’), it is based on a memoir of the same name by Valerie Plame Wilson, the high-level CIA agent who led an investigation into the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
Her veteran diplomat husband Joe Wilson gets drawn into an investigation to substantiate an alleged sale of enriched uranium from Niger.
However, Joe writes his conclusions in a New York Times editorial and ignites controversy after the administration ignores his findings. Instead, they use it to support a call to war.
In the wake of the Iraq invasion in 2003, Valerie was controversially ’ousted’ by the Bush administration.
Naomi Watts and Sean Penn play the happily married couple, raising twins, whose friends do not suspect that Valerie works for the CIA.
When the truth gets out, the Wilsons are portrayed by the media as being anti-American and their marriage is threatened. Add to that the devastation felt by Valerie about the end of her brilliant career.
Liman gives us an absorbing film, highlighting the need for accountability by government toward society.
This political thriller, which emphasises the vital importance of truth, also features great performances by Penn and Watts.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
First of the two-part film adaptation by director David Yates is another addition to the Harry Potter series. Whether it’s brilliant or not depends on whether you’re a die-hard fan.
The race is on against time and evil as Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) sets out to destroy the Horcruxes, along with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). Along the way they uncover the presence of the Deathly Hallows: powerful objects in wizardry.
Now there will be many impatiently awaiting the release of Part 2 in July 2011.
The American
This dignified thriller about a burnt-out hitman (George Clooney) is a little too slow for comfort.
