Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last leading role is a scruffy, chain-smoking German who heads an anti-terrorist team in Hamburg. Based on John le Carre’s novel of the same name, A Most Wanted Man shows how spies really operate. Rachel McAdams plays a lawyer who specializes in getting foreigners amnesty and citizenship in Germany. There’s also Nina Hoss who plays Irna Frey, a key member of the anti-terrorist team. She steals every scene she’s in. There’s also Robin Wright as CIA agent, Martha Sullivan. William Defoe plays a German banker convincingly. If you’re read any of John le Carre’s spy novels, you know what to expect: a twisty plot, double-dealing, and betrayal. Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last major movie is a dandy. GRADE: A
George, I have read le Carré and knowing how he writes, I’d certainly like to read this book first and watch the film soon after. We lost Hoffman earlier this year and now we lose Robin Williams. Both were found dead. What’s happening? I’m not sure coping with their film careers and public lives were the only reasons.
Prashant, I have the same reaction to Hoffman’s and Williams’ deaths. Such a waste! Clearly, both men were suffering from severe depression.
Really want to see this but really want to read the book first as it’s been on the shelf for ages! Thanks George.
Sergio, I like the realism of spycraft in A MOST WANTED MAN. You’ll really like this movie.
We liked it, Phil more than me. I felt like they didn’t dramatize what was as stake for the Hoffman character well enough and so it lacked the tension it needed. I thought it looked good, was well acted and certainly I had less trouble following the plot than I often have with spy films. A solid B plus. Hoffman looked sick though.
Patti, I totally agree. Hoffman looked sick in A MOST WANTED MAN and in CATCHING FIRE. I’m guessing, in retrospect, it must have been the drugs.
Was A hoffman fan. The first time I remember seeing him was the remake of RED DRAGON. In that brief role where hw as glued to a wheelchayr and set on fire was an attention getter.
Randy, Hoffman was a genius. So was Robin Williams. It’s so sad that they’re gone.