With the tragic attacks in Manchester, we have seen once again how reality can sometimes outpace fiction. In any case, it is easy to make the connection after watching Conspiracy, a spy film against a backdrop of terrorism in the city of London. If the film is likely to enjoy a small media impact because of the context in which it is released, it should not mark the memories too much.
A warmed up spy film
Conspiracy is problematic in critical terms because concretely, it is not a bad production. The pace is properly conducted and the story not unpleasant to follow. But very quickly, the film becomes irritating by its heated script and its too academic realization, so that there is not much to say about this work.
With a rather disconcerting scriptural banality, the story walks us from cliché to cliché without really making any effort to rise above the clichés of the genre. Apart from a rather well-conducted start in terms of writing, especially in the first interrogation scene, nothing surprises and each reversal of situation is anticipated far too easily. The realization does not benefit from great creativity either. Of course, there is no need to include flashes such as in a James Bond for a small spy movie such as this. However, Conspiracy would probably have gained in quality if it had been less academic in its staging and rhythm management.
A five-star cast in one-dimensional roles
Noomi Rapace, Orlando Bloom, Michael Douglas and… Nothing much. How sad. We will not have the bad time to say that they play badly because each of these stars interprets his role perfectly. Noomi Rapace as a spy turned upside down by a tragedy is quite respectable, Orlando Bloom as a former soldier is perfectly credible (although he cabotries slightly) and Michael Douglas is still fit and brimming with charisma. Unfortunately it stops there. The actors are good but the characters are far too undeveloped to allow us an emotional attachment.
However, a real effort has been made regarding Alice (Noomi Rapace) because many scenes seek to flesh out her character and / or background. Intention has been put for this character and his psychology but the deepening is not well enough managed for the viewer to sincerely attach himself to it. Special mention, however, to the irreplaceable John Malkovich in the role of agent Bob Hunter, who manages to pull out of the game by bringing a welcome touch of lightness and cynicism in a patchwork against a backdrop of terrorism.
Conspiracy is not a dishonest or even bad film, but its triviality and lack of audacity make it a very quickly forgettable work. If the golden cast adds an undeniable added value to the story, the most discerning moviegoers may not find their account. However, it is a respectable entertainment that should satisfy viewers looking for a simple movie moment.
Conspiracy trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t1O9dRH67M
