The Good Shepherd - Preview
Preview by Jack Foley
IT’S been 13 years since Robert De Niro made his first film as director (A Bronx Tale) and there have been plenty of bad movies in between.
It’s ironic, therefore, that his keenly-anticipated return behind the camera may also reward viewers with one of his accomplished performances in ages.
The Good Shepherd looks to be one of next year’s most interesting movies for a number of reasons – not least because its subject matter takes on a timely significance and for the quality of its cast which includes Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie and Joe Pesci.
The film is a fictional account of the origins of the CIA as seen through the eyes of one man, James Wilson (Damon) and those closest to him, including his wife (Jolie) and associates (De Niro, Pesci).
The film has been in development for 10 years but, according to producer Jane Rosenthal, really got going once De Niro expressed an interest and assembled a cast.
Given the role of the CIA in current world events, the film promises to offer a fascinating insight into how it was created and how history may have an important role to play in shaping future events and policies. It is, of course, fictional but looks set to continue Hollywood’s current trend for examining current events by looking at America’s past (see Flags Of Our Fathers, Bobby, Syriana, Goodnight, And Good Luck, etc).
Certainly, Rosenthal believes that “in a post 9/11 world, people are much more interested in what this story is about”. And she is delighted that De Niro was so ready to get involved.
According to Empire magazine, the actor was approached years ago about doing a small role but immediately announced his intention to direct as well as star.
And he has adopted “an unapologetically old-fashioned” approach to making the film that has already placed it among the contenders for Oscar glory next year.
Damon, meanwhile, is also said to be on strong form as the man who changes from an idealist to a realist based on the events in the movie. It’s a role he initially turned down because of scheduling commitments (the actor is extremely busy), but once De Niro spoke to him he made the time to appear.
Jolie, too, has a strong role to play in showing the two sides to Damon’s company man.
Just how brave A Good Shepherd will be in exposing some truths about the origins of the CIA remains to be seen but on paper (and in trailer form), the film looks set to be a corker. Plus, A Bronx Tale has already shown that De Niro is an accomplished hand behind the camera.
It’s due to open on January 19, 2007.