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Only stardom gives ‘Body of Lies' credibility

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It is difficult not to appreciate the talents of Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio and together they can command a screen, but their latest thriller, “Body of Lies,” lacks the excitement and substance these two talented men deserve. While their performances are undeniably strong and worthy of a look, the story is a muddled mess of Middle East espionage that stumbles over itself too many times to make much sense in the long run.

“Body of Lies” is based on Washington Post columnist David Ignatius' 2007 novel about CIA operative Roger Ferris (DiCaprio), who uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. Ferris devises a plan to infiltrate the terrorist network, but first he must get the backing of ruthless and cunning CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Crowe) and the highly respected and cultured, but perhaps not wholly trustworthy, head of Jordanian intelligence. Although both are supposedly his allies, Ferris doubts how much he can actually trust either of these men without putting his entire operation - and his life - on the line. What follows is a hodgepodge of backstabbing double-crosses that get lost in an array of gun fights, chases and explosions.

Ridley Scott, who has given us maybe two exceptional films (“Alien” and “Gladiator”), a few decent films and several lukewarm ones, directs “Body of Lies” and, for my money, it falls cleanly in the tepid category to be sure. Were it not for the stars, this film would have little to no credibility or entertainment value. I, for one, have grown tired of films about spying and torture in the Middle East. This may sound a bit insensitive and certainly biased, but this subject simply does not interest me. I don't think we should be involved anyway. But, honestly, this is not the reason I did not find “Body of Lies” very appealing. I did not agree with our involvement in Vietnam either, but most movies about that “police action” piqued my interest and pulled at my emotions. This film does not.

I am unfamiliar with Ignatius' book, but screenwriter William Monahan's adaptation is lacking in interesting details and includes a completely out-of-place romantic subplot. Simply put, the story is just like every other one in this genre about this part of the world. And while there are some intense action sequences and a few explosive scenes, the story lacks depth - its characters are one dimensional and its plot formulaic when it's at its best and is not stumbling all over itself.

That said, I must return to the film's stars. As usual, Crowe is exceptional. Having put on several pounds for the role of Hoffman, he dives head first into the corpulent man, with his stuffed shirt Washington accent and his pompous and pious personality. Since he has so little screen time, I am guessing Crowe must have seen something in the role. He is a tremendous actor when he is aptly inspired and, when he is on screen, especially with DiCaprio, he is a pleasure to watch. DiCaprio, too, does what he does well, but his character really lacks development, giving the audience little emotional investment. In fact, Mark Strong, a British-born actor of Italian-Austrian descent, makes a much more convincing Arab than expected and he outshines both leads when in scenes with them. Strong's Hani fascinates. He is soft-spoken, affectionate and oddly mesmerizing and cultured while being subtly dangerous. His performance is strangely sexy, although I am sure that was not his aim.

Ultimately, the R-rated “Body of Lies” is bland, unenlightening and uninspired. Its stars, no matter how fervent, cannot save Scott's passionless film. The pointlessly drawn-out series of double-crosses make the film even less credible as a drama or thriller. Toss in the lame romantic subplot and the story lands flat. I realize I am being a bit repetitive here, but there is so little to say. The word that keeps entering my mind is lackluster.

I am placing a C- in my gradebook. I was thinking lower, but I did enjoy the film's stars.

For more of Coker's movie reviews and chances to get free passes to upcoming movie screening, check out her website at www.trueviewreviews.net

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