Spring Break
Movie Reviews
David Coley
Issue date: 1/8/07 Section: Culture
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'Breaking and Entering'
In Anthony Minghella's "Breaking and Entering," multiple crimes are committed against numerous people, but not all are prosecutable in a court of law. Those subtle crimes are the heart and soul of this often beautiful film that examines the way choices we make can have disastrous results we never anticipated.
The film revolves around Will (Jude Law), an architect who has just opened up a new base of operations for his planned reconstruction of the East End of London. He lives with his Swedish girlfriend (Robin Wright Penn) and her daughter. A nice setup to be sure, but we can tell he is unhappy.
Soon, burglaries begin to plague his business, and during a stakeout with his partner, played solidly by Martin Freeman, he catches the burglar in the act and chases him home.
Will goes to the young burglar's home the next day and meets the criminal's mother (Juliette Binoche). They soon start an affair that will have grave consequences for both when she discovers her son has been stealing from Will. Deceit, blackmail and thievery abound, and Will's life threatens to unravel.
And it should unravel. The main problem with the film is the script's refusal to let the characters truly reap what they have sown, and so the end of the movie is marked by a series of fortunate events that are a bit unrealistic and weaken the story.
However, the film up to that point is excellently crafted, acted and written. Overall, it is a moving piece by a skilled director and can be enjoyed despite the dubious finale.
In Theaters
'The Good Shepherd'
The CIA has long been a revered institution gathering intelligence for the benefit of America. Of course in recent years, this practice may or may not have been in the country's best interest, and it is in this context that a film about the agency's creation seems most apt.
"The Good Shepherd," directed by Robert De Niro, tells the story of a roughly 20-year span during which Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) participated in intelligence for the military and helped found the Central Intelligence Agency.
The story of the film switches back and forth from the history of Wilson's life in the service and the Bay of Pigs debacle in the early '60s. Working closely with his trusted aide (John Turturro), Wilson delves into people's secrets, uncovering schemes, betrayals, lies and treason. Various other government and intelligence figures come into play, and with each one Wilson must decide just whom he can trust.
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