Munich

The third film from the best five Oscar list that I saw was Spielberg's Munich. Prior to its release I had heard very little about it - there was no huge fuss or ceremony about it; to be honest I didn't even know the guy was making it. It took me a little time to warm to the idea of assassins pursuing terrorists, it just seemed a little dry and would potentially throw up a few political hot potatoes. The casting of Eric Bana in the lead gave it more appeal. I've been waiting for him to really fulfill his potential ever since Chopper. His career choices have been fine on paper and he has been unlucky not to be even bigger than he is - but Hulk was more miss than hit, and Troy is not even worth talking about it was such a mess. Following on from War of The Worlds it makes sense that the worlds greatest living director (on consistency of product and pure entertainment value) should turn to more grounded territory. It bears all the trademark touches right from the opening sequence - its pulse races at high speed, with high stakes, and the feel of something of the highest quality is undeniable. The production detail is everything you would expect from a Spielberg movie and the lens moves lovingly over every scene lapping it all up. The serious subject matter is counter-balanced by the razors edge tension achieved in the set-pieces and we get sucked into the assassins world. As it progresses, the ambiguity of Bana's motives shifts the tone into interesting areas - the question of whether it can ever be right to take a life and the realisation that the cycle of hostility may never end are very poignant themes. An idea beautifully demonstrated as the final image shows the twin towers of the World Trade Centre sat serenely, yet ominously, on the NY skyline. In politics it is a constant shifting of the equilibrium that makes our world what it is - cause and effect, and how every action every person takes leads ultimately to inevitable conclusions. A brilliant film - controversial - but always managing to balance entertainment with art and intellectual merit. It will be interesting to see how it is thought of in five or ten years time. Regardless, it is a worthy addition to the canon of truly remarkable film-maker. 9/10 Kx