THE QUIET American - Philip Noyce
[FULL REVIEW - likely plot spoilers]
'The Quiet American' is one of those rare films that, in a mostly unobtrusive way, actually makes you think about the morality of its characters and what they stand for.
Based on a Graham Greene novel, the story set in 50's Vietnam homes in on the testy relationship between a Saigon-based London Times reporter Fowler (Michael Caine), and the newly-arrived 'Quiet American' Pyle (Brendan Fraser). Fowler's an unlikely protagonist - middle-aged and desperately trying to stay back in Vietnam with his opium pipe and his young mistress Phuong, he does his job with jaded resignation ("I'm just a reporter. I offer no point of view, I take no action, I don't get involved."). In comes Pyle, fresh-faced, friendly and eager to play the kindly Yankee medical corps Samaritan. The two strike up a casual friendship but that soon runs into dark waters when Pyle falls in love with Phuong. He initially backs off in chivalry but returns on learning that Fowler will not actually marry Phuong since he can't get a divorce from his wife in London. Phuong's own wishes in this regard are ambiguous and seem more related to her own security than love for either of them. This tangle of emotions is played out against the backdrop of a strife-ridden Vietnam being similarly drawn between the French and the Vietcong. Fowler in a bid to keep his Saigon post goes into more dangerous territory, trying to dig up the dirt on a third faction in the battle. But he, like the audience, gets more than he bargained for in a devious turn of events that culminates in startling carnage.
The story raises pertinent questions about the motives of America in Vietnam and the events that led to the invasion of Vietnam - It was shelved from its intended 2001 release in the wake of 9/11. But it's also a gripping noir drama that gives you fleshed out characters instead of stereotypes. There are no obvious heroes or villains, and the greatest strength of the film is its sustained sense of ambiguity, right up to the brilliant end, which leaves you wondering about who the bad guys really are.
Kudos to Noyce and Michael Caine for setting a new standard in anti-heroes with their gritty, uncompromising portrayal of Fowler. Brendan Fraser, shorn of his trademark goofy mannerisms, does a surprisingly good understated turn as Pyle. The period atmosphere and Christopher Doyle's stylish cinematography easily capture the turmoil of the characters and the setting. If anything I'd have liked the film to be longer, with greater exploration of the very interesting characters it deals with: Pyle in particular seems to have got a bit of the short shrift in the latter half of the film, and a deeper look at Phuong wouldn't have hurt either. But as it is, it's still an excellent emotional thriller, which in most part respects the intelligence of its audience.
[FULL REVIEW - likely plot spoilers]
'The Quiet American' is one of those rare films that, in a mostly unobtrusive way, actually makes you think about the morality of its characters and what they stand for.
Based on a Graham Greene novel, the story set in 50's Vietnam homes in on the testy relationship between a Saigon-based London Times reporter Fowler (Michael Caine), and the newly-arrived 'Quiet American' Pyle (Brendan Fraser). Fowler's an unlikely protagonist - middle-aged and desperately trying to stay back in Vietnam with his opium pipe and his young mistress Phuong, he does his job with jaded resignation ("I'm just a reporter. I offer no point of view, I take no action, I don't get involved."). In comes Pyle, fresh-faced, friendly and eager to play the kindly Yankee medical corps Samaritan. The two strike up a casual friendship but that soon runs into dark waters when Pyle falls in love with Phuong. He initially backs off in chivalry but returns on learning that Fowler will not actually marry Phuong since he can't get a divorce from his wife in London. Phuong's own wishes in this regard are ambiguous and seem more related to her own security than love for either of them. This tangle of emotions is played out against the backdrop of a strife-ridden Vietnam being similarly drawn between the French and the Vietcong. Fowler in a bid to keep his Saigon post goes into more dangerous territory, trying to dig up the dirt on a third faction in the battle. But he, like the audience, gets more than he bargained for in a devious turn of events that culminates in startling carnage.
The story raises pertinent questions about the motives of America in Vietnam and the events that led to the invasion of Vietnam - It was shelved from its intended 2001 release in the wake of 9/11. But it's also a gripping noir drama that gives you fleshed out characters instead of stereotypes. There are no obvious heroes or villains, and the greatest strength of the film is its sustained sense of ambiguity, right up to the brilliant end, which leaves you wondering about who the bad guys really are.
Kudos to Noyce and Michael Caine for setting a new standard in anti-heroes with their gritty, uncompromising portrayal of Fowler. Brendan Fraser, shorn of his trademark goofy mannerisms, does a surprisingly good understated turn as Pyle. The period atmosphere and Christopher Doyle's stylish cinematography easily capture the turmoil of the characters and the setting. If anything I'd have liked the film to be longer, with greater exploration of the very interesting characters it deals with: Pyle in particular seems to have got a bit of the short shrift in the latter half of the film, and a deeper look at Phuong wouldn't have hurt either. But as it is, it's still an excellent emotional thriller, which in most part respects the intelligence of its audience.