Body of Lies

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. (02/21/2009)

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. (05/22/2010)

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... (11/18/2012)

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. (11/28/2008)

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. (12/14/2008)