The Worst Film Ever

Sadly Over-hyped

Captivating movie !

I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

A very good film, if not quite a masterpiece....This film aims very high, with every intention of obtaining stratospheric heights, but time restraints do not allow this film to fulfill it's full potential, and I think that the obvious effort put into the film by all involved, can produce a slight sense of disappointment in those who appreciate the film, and only increases the alienation of those who are not attuned to the themes of the film.Essentially, I think that the film's greatest flaw is that it is excessively abbreviated, and most characters are not able to be fully developed. This is partly the fault of Joseph Conrad, who wrote complicated and intricately plotted books, but the slow pace which adds greatly (and appropriately) to the atmosphere of the film, also prevents the insertion of additional scenes to develop the characters. This film could have been expanded into a masterpiece, but it would have been very long. To appreciate the film, one must grasp the nature of a large number of characters, and often there are only abbreviated cues to show the way. Thus a story about betrayals small and great, becomes a film of great betrayals.It appears that opinions are very polarized on the acting in this film, but I found most of the performances engaging, with the strong exception of Robin Williams, who seems to be mainly engaged in an attempt to break out of his comedy roles with the aid of a phony scowl. I should note that others disagree with my opinion of Robin Williams in this case however.I found the soundtrack (by Philip Glass) to be outstanding, with a traditional flavor as is appropriate to the film, but quite original.

Patricia Arquette.The WWEA belt that has been held since 1964 by Dick Van Dyke for his WWEA triumph in "Mary Poppins" has had many challengers, Renee Zelwegger could have tried harder throughout both of her attempts with Bridget Jones, Gwyneth didn't even come back for seconds after Sliding Doors. Don Cheadle did come close in both Ocean's Eleven & Twelve and D.V.D.'s WWEA title looked very much in danger with Robert DeNiro in Frankenstein (he lost to a little known WWEA clause that forbids the use of lip stitching or any type of facial prosthetic), and there has been a surprise late entry recently by Ewan Macgregor in Star Wars episodes I & II, surprising as he is one of very few British contenders. This recent award shock to Patricia is made even more amazing by the fact that this feat has slept unnoticed for over 8 years, simply because no one actually went to see it!To see the WWEA rankings please go to the full post on "The Secret Agent" Message Board

This film languished in post-production hell for years and I can see why, it's certainly not everyone's cup of tea. Conrad's novel is too psychological to transfer fully to the screen but this is a damn good effort. A wonderful cast gives its all but there are one or two misfires, Eddie Izzard is an excellent comedian but is the kiss of death to cinema and is completely unconvincing here as a Russian diplomat. Gerard Depardieu seems to lack conviction in his role but this is not a major drawback as his character is fairly peripheral. Bob Hoskins is excellent as Verloc, a truly contemptible and pitiful man, a traitor to everyone and everything. Patricia Arquette is moving as his wife, Winnie, who is powerless and battered by fate (I can't think why so many reviews pick on her performance, she's supposed to be passive and downtrodden). Christian Bale is very affecting as Stevie. But best of all is Robin Williams as The Professor, who steals every scene he is in. His cold, inhuman character is a frightening portrait of a zealot as he speaks of rationally eliminating the "weak" and the final shot as he shoulders his way through the crowd, his contempt for humanity etched into his face as he squeezes the trigger, is unforgettable. I wish Williams would do more serious roles instead of the sentimental comedy he has become associated with. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this film but your enjoyment will be enhanced if you have read the book first as not all the nuances of the text can be conveyed on screen.

"I have no future, but I am a force," says the Robin Williams character, minutes before he completes his mission. A chilling glimpse into the mind of the fanatic. Superb performances by almost everyone (Eddie Izzard does the most unconvincing accent since the last time John Malkovich played an Englishman), a great score by Philip Glass, and the last five minutes will freeze your blood. (Two Academy Award winners here, and neither of them is Bob Hoskins -- what is wrong with those people in Hollywood?)