The Good Shepard

One of the most covert orgainizations in America finally has roots, be them true or not. The Good Shepard portrays the early makings of the CIA from humble beginings and influences of power. Directed by Robert De Niro (A Bronx Tale), who also has a role as one of the founders of the CIA, takes aim at showing people how and why the CIA was formed.

Matt Damon takes the lead in this movie as we follow his character throughout his life as a college "skull and bones" society member, being used by the FBI to bring down a nazi teacher, to being recruited by the military as an intellegence officer, then becoming a staple and founder of the intellegence section of the CIA. Damon's wife is played by Angelina Jolie (who Damon said was like kissing his sister). The Good Shepard also stars William Hurt (A History Of Violence), Billy Crudup (Without Limits, MI: 3), Alec Baldwin (The Cat In The Hat) and Joe Pesci (Goodfellas).

In the style of the godfather movies The Good Shepard has the audience listening and observing all aspects of the movie to be used in later on. From the Bay of Pigs disaster to the Cold War De Niro shows how all of the events that bought the CIA into life were all linked together by just a handful of people and stopped by just as many people. Damon's character Edward Wilson inhabits a world of betrayal and secrecies only enhancing the irony of the biblical quote inscribed on the CIA's wall- "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free". While we are given a glimpse into the life of a younger, more vital Wilson, the world he occupies creates the characteristically stolid, humorless man we come to know. A silently haunting Matt Damon carries the film on his shoulders. Edward Wilson is completely introverted and while Damon internalizes his thoughts, some of the films greatest moments are when emotion unknowingly pours out of Wilson through a mere flicker in his eyes.

Altough the movie runs over three hours The Good Shepard engages its audience throughout. With all Shepard has to explain and link there is no possible way to not have it this long.

Despite the length and to some people a dull form of shooting this film it is worth buying a ticket and seeing it in the movie theater.

The Good Shepard gets a 3.5 out of 5.

This is a must own for all fans of De Niro and/or the Godfather and for everyone else.