Director: Ridley Scott
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and Mark Strong
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors that gained fame years ago are as beloved as Leonardo DiCaprio. Following the 1990’s, DiCaprio has proven to be an icon. Whether it’s destructive lovers, departed cops or Wall Street stockbrokers, DiCaprio has played countless compelling characters. Arguably, DiCaprio’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to craft. He is a one of a kind actor which has poured both heart and soul into every role. Through ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, DiCaprio has created a legacy that is lasting. An actor with a strong commitment toward his craft, DiCaprio has become a celebrated icon in entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, DiCaprio has produced several memorable movies which are absolutely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of DiCaprio and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Body of Lies” is my favourite. Released in 2008, Ridley Scott’s movie offered a strong portrait of terrorism. Packed with stunning production-design, captivating storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about terrorism. At centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Leonardo DiCaprio, who portrays a spy that faces sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Body of Lies” a masterpiece is universal appeal. Unlike most films about terrorism, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. A spellbinding masterpiece about danger of terrorism, there are many strong reasons why “Body of Lies” is a commemorated film worth watching.
Based on true events, “Body of Lies” tells a story of CIA agent that seeks to cope with lies. Leonardo DiCaprio plays Roger Ferris, a strong CIA agent that faces anguish. Roger is a clever agent with a talent for managing multiple activities at once. However, Roger’s life dramatically changes when he discovers the harsh realities of his profession causing a disaster. As he is hunted down by the CIA agent Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe), Roger is forced to question whether it’s possible for him to become a bold hero. Facing a painful price to pay, Roger questions whether it is truly possible for him to become a member of the CIA. Discovering lies, Roger struggles to find his place in a dangerous world filled with spies.
Ridley Scott is fascinated with the theme of ambition. A fantastic filmmaker, Scott has often made engaging movies about lives of ambitious leaders facing disaster. His iconic movie “Gladiator” offered a bold portrait of ambitious Roman gladiators facing disaster. With “Body of Lies”, however, Scott crafted his first terrorist drama. It was the director’s first attempt to capture the lives of terrorists facing tragedy but he succeeds immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Scott captured a CIA agent’s journey to overcome adversity. Scott successfully uses handled camerawork to capture tensions endured by CIA agents. For instance, handheld camera elevates the terrorist attack scene. During this unforgettable scene, Roger experiences tension when he witnesses a gruesome act of terrorism. Using handheld camerawork, Scott creates a portrait of terrorism that is compelling. Handheld camera is a complex technique to employ in films. Zach Snyder’s “Man of Steel” suggested handheld camera elevates movies about superheroes made of steel. However, it works tremendously in this movie. Using strong visuals, Scott captures tensions that terrorists committing violence are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Body of Lies” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is very well made. Evoking John McTiernan’s “Die Hard”, Scott effectively uses practical effects to stage terrorist action sequences that are compelling. For instance, practical effects elevate the terrorism incident scene. During this memorable scene, Roger faces a dilemma when he’s tasked with resolving a terrorism situation. Using stunning practical effects, Scott creates a portrait of terrorism that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is dazzling. Marc Streitenfeld’s commemorated music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing a heavy burden that terrorists bear. Through captivating production, Scott captures CIA agents facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Body of Lies” is a movie about terrorism that’s compelling. The film is extremely well written, and effectively uses monologues to capture tensions that terrorists are facing. Evoking Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed”, Scott effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture tensions that are experienced by terrorists that have departed. For instance, monologues enhance the espionage scene. During this unforgettable scene, Roger gives an inspiring speech about the importance of eradicating terrorism. Through monologues, Scott crafts a powerful portrait of terrorism audiences can easily relate to. Monologues are complex techniques to use in movies. As “Gladiator” suggested, monologues elevate commemorated historical dramas about ancient gladiators. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this film. Through a bold screenplay, Scott captures CIA agents that experience a painful price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of his best performances as Roger Ferris. DiCaprio achieved appreciation for playing doomed lovers aboard disastrous ships. With “Body of Lies”, however, he took on his most tricky role. It isn’t easy to portray a CIA agent that faces adversity but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and utterly emotional in his most strong role. DiCaprio has often excelled at playing heroes under pressure, and “Body of Lies” showcased his strengths as an actor. It’s an extraordinary performance by one of the most celebrated actors working today.
While the movie is mainly a bold showcase for Leonardo DiCaprio, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Russell Crowe is remarkable, capturing the sorrow of a CIA agent that struggles to cope with a high pressure scenario. Mark Strong is spectacular, bringing stark charisma to a political leader that is determined to leave a strong mark. Lastly, Oscar Isaac is worthy of appreciation. As a majestic political leader, he brings authority to the movie.
Finally, “Body of Lies” will earn recognition of everyone for capturing terrorists seeking lies. Unlike most movies about terrorism, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It tackles strong themes such as angst, mental health and trauma which resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of terrorism in order to appreciate it. It delivers a commemorated message about trust that will resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Body of Lies” is one of those rare movies about terrorism everyone will adore.
Fans of Leonardo DiCaprio would absolutely love “Body of Lies” and so would audiences seeking enjoyable entertainment. A riveting crime drama, it honours an actor which has charisma.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about CIA agents seeking to resolve lies, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to surprise audiences through manufacturing unforgettable movies throughout his illustrious career which audiences commonly prize.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 