Breach (2007)

Overall Rating From 1 to 100: 72

Directed by Billy Ray
Chris Cooper / Ryan Phillippe / Laura Linney
110 min. Drama / Thriller
MPAA: PG-13 (for violence, sexual content and language)

Review by Jason Pyles / March 16, 2007

A good thriller makes its audience care about its protagonist(s). But “Breach” goes further: It makes you have compassion for its antagonist, too.

Based on a true story, “Breach” tells the story of what is said to be “the greatest security breach in U.S. history.” Surprisingly, the movie is intriguing and engaging without any car chases or shoot-outs. The filmmakers rely on actual suspense rather than action. Wonders abound.

“Breach” is quite good, almost excellent, primarily because of one actor’s performance: Chris Cooper. You’ll remember him as the coal-mining father from “October Sky” (1999). Cooper steals the show (and then runs it) as Robert Hanssen, an intimidator who likes to be called “Sir” or “Boss.” Either works for him.

Hanssen is exceptionally intelligent, a devout Catholic, a loving husband, a good grandpa and the former head of the FBI’s Soviet Analytical Unit. And he’s a sexual deviant. (Some of us have a weakness for marshmallow Peeps, others have weirder vices, but none of us is perfect.)

FBI agent Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney) assigns an ambitious, prospective agent named Eric O’Neill (Ryan Phillippe) to be Hanssen’s clerk (a.k.a. spy) to collect information about the veteran’s unsavory habits. It’s this cat-and-mouse spying game that produces the suspense.

I’ve just described what the movie is about without revealing what it’s about. I do not spoil movies (though I do like marshmallow Peeps).

While watching “Breach,” it’s fascinating to try to discern whether Hanssen knows O’Neill’s true purpose. We know that the rookie is naive and inexperienced, but he’s also capable and talented. Does Hanssen know all of that, too?

The key to “Breach” is Chris Cooper’s development of the Hanssen character. Everything he says and does is convincing. We can tell that he’s a good man, but something is amiss.

At one point in the film, we viewers are provoked to ask an inevitable “Why?” question. The answer is given to us, but with subtlety. Be sure you don’t miss it.

Again, I won’t spoil anything, so read on unafraid: At the end of the movie, we grow concerned that the filmmakers don’t know what to do for an ending. But then we’re delightfully surprised when “Breach” concludes on the right note. The very last scene rings true, and we believe it.

I walked out of the theater impressed, and with a smile of satisfaction. The only thing I was missing was marshmallow Peeps.

O Masterpiece (95-100)
O Excellent / theater option (75-94)
X Good video rental (60-74)
O Merely OK (50-59)
O Pure mediocrity (30-49)
O Medusa: Don’t watch (1-29)

Copyright 2007.
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