Body of Lies

Though it has a traditional concept and is a more than decently filmed spy thriller, Body of Lies does not have enough of the exotic atmosphere of Spy Game or the high-tech coolness of Enemy of the State to become a hit. It goes straight to the epicenter of the issue of contemporary Islamic terrorism and does so with perfect action scenes. But even though it keeps switching between different locations and the plot moves forward at a decent pace, I still feel like it’s actually stuck in one place. That is probably because everything apart from spy machinations seems both superfluous and half- baked (the attempt to depict the background of Crowe’s character, or DiCaprio’s relationship with the local girl). And it needs a different kind of ending. (09/01/2009)

Three or four stars? I can’t decide. Body of Lies is unable to make up its mind whether it wants to be an entertaining film or one with a message. Unfortunately, it fails at both. The entertainment factor shows up only in a few shootout scenes between constant telephone calls and changes in location, while the “edifying” aspect appears here and there delivered by Russel Crowe (as satirical black humour) and Mark Strong. Plotwise it’s nothing remarkable, either, and I can’t avoid the feeling that the film could have easily continued for another half hour after the unforgettable scene of Leonard’s torture (instead of ending quite abruptly), while the first hour could be left out almost completely. Regardless of that, Body of Lies is not bad at all – it’s directed and acted with panache – it simply fails to impress. (06/12/2008)

I came away from this two-hour conversation film, which cynically glosses over the current tense situation in the Arab world, and occasionally, as if unwittingly, jumps to some good action sequences, knowing I was going to give it four pure stars. But a day has passed now and I’m more and more puzzled by the fact that Scott and Monahan thought it through even deeper, that the black humor is damn chilling and that the current state of the region cannot actually be changed, although it also cannot be prolonged indefinitely. Immediately afterward, my mind flashed to the perfect acting trio of a certain Crowe, the uncompromising DiCaprio, and especially the chillingly charismatic Strong. In addition, the honestly sharp visuals and the fact that this blockbuster autumn probably won't get any more stimulating ensure that I’m giving it the full five stars. Ridley’s rolling Hollywood in his old age like nobody’s business! Edit: It's not as good the second time around, but still a strong 4 stars. (29/11/2008)

Syriana in a more commercial guise. In comparison, Body of Lies is easier to understand, more accessible to the general public, but at the same time no less relevant, it’s pertinent not dumb at all and the acting is no worse. Ridley again proves anew that he’s getting a third wind in his retirement and hasn’t lost any of his talent. (14/12/2008)

Body of Lies is exactly halfway between a crowd-pleasing popcorn flick and a thriller that aims to analyze, provoke, and has slightly higher ambitions. According to the majority of users on FilmBooster, Ridley Scott did not please them with this balancing act, as popcorn enthusiasts feel it lacks more action, excitement, and grandiose scenes, while fans of art critique it for its shallowness, unfinished elements, and clichés. I must say that Scott pleasantly surprised me, and I rank this piece above American Gangster, which I found somewhat distant. I rank Body of Lies in his filmography in third place, behind Alien and Blade Runner, which I still hold dear due to my love for the sci-fi genre. This film relies on a quality screenplay, top-notch direction, and excellent actors, and as a whole, it runs smoothly without any major stumbles. I could, of course, point out a few minor flaws, but if I were to do the same with many of its genre counterparts, I would have to discard a lot of famous films. A thriller like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy certainly surpasses Body of Lies in terms of attention to detail and atmosphere but that is a slightly different sub-genre and a film that is heading in a completely different direction. Overall impression: 90%. After the brutal disappointment with Prometheus, Ridley has redeemed himself in my eyes once again... (18/11/2012)

All the ingredients are here but this time it's no gourmet delicacy. It’s as though Ridley Scott was resting and not giving it his full concentration like he did recently with the American Gangster. In any case, the actors were excellent, the bearded DiCaprio gets cooler with every movie, Russell Crowe perfectly pulls off a dad/agent who teaches his son to go to the bathroom, the imaginary crown was stolen by Mark Strong whose Hani could easily carry a movie all of his own. The rest is an almost textbook hi-tech spy scenario. Smart enough to impress you, not good enough to drool over with bliss for two hours. 75% (06/02/2009)

Less straightforward and more “intel” and “hi-tech” than Kingdom. Some people might like it, others not, but the fact remains that you would hardly guess that this talky spy film was directed by the master of visual and compositional image, Ridley Scott. There are several quality action scenes and sequences where he plays with the contour of colors, but there is nothing extra in this regard. And it is not even reached by the stunning dark contact lenses of Leonardo DiCaprio, who this time did not get as much space as in Blood Diamond and is overshadowed by Russell Crowe and especially the demonic and elegant Mark Strong, probably the most interesting character of the film. Overall, too much talk and too little action for my taste – although very high-quality and impactful. Kingdom is a simpler film and deals with Eastern culture in a very straightforward and simple way, but I liked it more than Body of Lies, which tries to go into depth but does it in a very uninteresting and overly talkative manner. (21/02/2009)

Well, that's the way it is. While most people were watching our hockey players advance to the World Championship finals, I was watching Body of Lies. And I really don't believe that the hockey was more exciting! A delicious performance by Mark Strong, the chubby office rat Crowe, a (traditionally) great DiCaprio... They all star in what I think is a perfect film that brought Ridley Scott and his crew of filmmakers to the Middle East for the fourth time. It was fascinating to watch Scott's work with the story - he sticks to one main storyline, then gradually packs in more and more, letting them weave in and out of each other with such ease that the viewer can follow everything without any issues, and it all culminates in a heart attack scene with the hammer in the lead role. Wow. (22/05/2010)

"That is impossible. Because it will mean that you sat in my office and you lied to my face." The clash between the vibrant Arab world and the cold detachment of the systemic West is the most important message of the leftist Scott. Above all the final thought – better to live in a world where evil and therefore its counterpart is clear than in a sterilized system built on hypocrisy. This is nicely illustrated by the final scene, with DiCaprio shopping for oranges in a busy Arab marketplace while Crowe takes the foil off the vacuum-packed cut fruit in an empty airport lounge. Surprisingly, it doesn't jump out of context at all. What's terribly gratifying is the unsaid, which sometimes keeps the conflicts from even hitting fertile ground (a code of honor that DiCaprio is somehow unable to uphold throughout the film), but of course that's not the film's problem, it's the viewer's. The only downside I see is the script, which seemed to me to be perhaps gradating in reverse, and in general the final deus ex machina in the last moment is such a libation to film history... Nevertheless, Scott succeeds again in full. (22/06/2011)

When I start writing reviews of Ridley Scott's movies, I usually start by saying that I generally don't like his movies. Why should I change my habits? I don't like his movies, but since I'm generally interested in movies, I watch them. I tell myself that maybe he can surprise me, like he did with "Alien" or "Blade Runner". Usually, he doesn't succeed. In the case of the movie "Body of Lies", I thought it would be different. Interesting setting, quite a fast pace, actors that I can - yes, I have already accepted that prejudices about Russell Crowe are senseless, because that guy is simply a great actor. He doesn't have much space in this movie because the main character is Leonardo DiCaprio, who we almost can't get rid of throughout the film. He is in the Middle East, carrying out actions for the American government. Russell Crowe is his coordinator, the brain behind it, a person who can do several things at once. At one moment, he plans what Ferris (DiCaprio) should do, and at the same time, he takes a child to school. Quite an interesting contrast that gets overplayed after a while and it's not quite the same. However, the actions in the Middle East are worth it and I think Scott learned a lot while filming "Black Hawk Down". The actions look good, they are shot from interesting angles, and there are no lack of fast cuts. Well, I think he also learned a lot from his brother, at least in terms of action. The movie "Body of Lies" is initially loaded with some action, but in the end, you realize that nothing really significant happened. What were those actions for? For people to live in fear? They will still? For someone to die? People die all the time. What did the movie actually want to say? Ideologically, it seems quite empty to me, it tries to tell us that America is behind very dangerous actions, planning grand actions that can significantly shake up the world. But don't we already know all this? The world is full of lies and we actually don't know who is pulling the strings. We won't find out even after this. Well made, but I stand by the fact that the movie is quite empty in its message. More: http://www.filmovy-denik.cz/2012/12/wtc-yes-man-mary-max-zambezia-cerna.html (02/03/2013)

An absolutely exceptionally crafted and thoughtful spy thriller starring the excellent DiCaprio. Even at seventy-one, Ridley Scott proves he is a "Directing Master" capable of doing a brilliant job with virtually anything. The story is based on suspense, but whenever some action enters the mix it is definitely worth it. (08/05/2009)