Based on the novel written by David Ignatius (Body Of Lies (DVD))

Member Name: Ataraxia

Product:	Body Of Lies (DVD)
Date:	11/02/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A-Listers

Disadvantages: Dull; Overlong; Another film concerning the Iraq War

Body of Lies is based on the novel written by David Ignatius. It tells the story the CIA agent Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio), who has been sent to Iraq to track down a high ranking terrorist, responsible for plotting a number of suicide bombings around Europe and the United States.

Each step of the way, Ferris reports back to the head director Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe- who gained fifty pounds for the role) via telephone, who is responsible for dictating his next move. Meanwhile, on the ground, diplomatic Hani Salaam is the man with the connections and intel. that can assist Ferris further, in his deep-undercover assignment.

The acting from Crowe and DiCaprio, I have to say, is impressive (even if there is a huge emphasis on the baby-faced actor being able to speak Arabic). It's disappointing that their obvious talents though cannot save this film from being a dull, and instantly forgettable affair. Considering that the film focuses on the serious subject of terrorism, and how those in the Middle East are becoming smarter, and more organised, as we speak, I expected there to be a lot more tension and excitement. I was very disappointed, to say the least.

It's very easy to lose track of what is happening in Body of Lies. There were moments when Hoffman and Ferris were arguing with each other during a telephone call, though on quite a few occasions I didn't know exactly why- something about interference, and facts being detained. I just don't know. I lost interest, in all honesty.

Films concering the war in Iraq don't seem to be doing well in the United States, and Body of Lies is no exception. I'm a great fan of Ridley Scott ever since I was first introduced to Alien; this pretentious espionage "Thriller", however, I definitely won't remember him for. If you want to see a film of the same mould then I'd suggest Scott's own Black Hawk Down.

Summary: An instantly forgettable affair.