In his latest film "Operation Beirut", Brad Anderson takes us to a world at war. Here, the director brilliantly introduces the viewer to the various stakeholders of geopolitical issues in Beirut. A poignant thriller that transports us to the heart of the important conflicts in Lebanon at the time.
Contains spoilers
A geopolitical thriller overall very successful
In this film, we are immersed in the heart of conflicts and geopolitical issues. A very well posed context from the beginning that transports us into the world of espionage. Indeed, the viewer is immediately immersed in the life of American diplomat Mason Skiles (Jon Hamm). First in 1973 before the civil war that ravaged Lebanon, the freedom of religions and different communities is very well transcribed, life seems beautiful and happy for our hero. However, the geopolitical stakes of the Middle East will disrupt all this. Issues that may seem unclear but that also give us the desire to learn more about the subject. Operation Beirut is also and above all a spy film that keeps us in suspense with unpredictable murders, betrayals and reversals of situation.
A good spy movie plot
The staging of the film is rather dynamic which strongly helps the thriller atmosphere. In addition, the suspense is maintained until the end, something that was expected no less from Brad Anderson who is used to police series (The Killing, The Sinner). A good plot due in particular to the screenwriter Tony Gilroy specialized in spy films like Jason Bourne. The scenario of Operation Beirut seems quite basic but as in any thriller, reversals of situations are frequent which makes the film interesting and unpredictable.
Here, the story revolves around Mason Skiles, a tortured man who takes refuge in alcohol to cope with his past. A past that will nevertheless resurface and that will reveal pell-mell plots and connections more all more blurred than the others. Skiles will have to deal with terrorists who have kidnapped his old CIA friend Cal Riley (Mark Pellegrino). To do so, he will have to redouble his efforts to negotiate the life of his friend and it is not easy in such a complicated context. Indeed, no one is really who he seems to be and in fact, no one can really trust himself completely. The geopolitical stakes are enormous and Skiles' margin for error very small.
A successful cast filling the characters' flaws
We will therefore find many actors such as the Mossad, the PLO, the Israeli army and the CIA in this conflict. A multitude of factors that make this film a poignant thriller. Operation Beirut is also a brand cast. Indeed, we find Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike, Shea Whigham, Mark Pellegrino and the French Leïla Bekhti. Remarkable actors who knew how to play their role to perfection. However, it can be noted that the character of Sandy (Rosamund Pike) brings a sexual tension with the hero whose film would have gone well. Moreover, despite the more than convincing interpretation of Jon Hamm in his role of Mason Skiles, it remains in the cliché of the tortured man who takes refuge in alcohol. The biggest disappointment will undoubtedly remain Leïla Bekhti who sees her character die from the first minutes of the film. What a pity.
Overall, Operation Beirut brilliantly fulfills its role as a spy film, through its dynamism with its action scenes filled with twists and a rather well-constructed storyline. The spectator is kept in suspense until the end in these geopolitical conflicts. Wait a little longer and discover Operation Beirut on May 30 at the cinema.
Operation Beirut trailer
