anyone seen Syriana yet?

[anotherdrew]

<!--EZCODE ITALIC START--><em><!--EZCODE FONT START--><span style="font-size:small;">Plot Summary for<br>Syriana (2005)<br><br>From writer/director Stephen Gaghan, winner of the Best Screenplay Academy Award for Traffic, comes Syriana, a political thriller that unfolds against the intrigue of the global oil industry. From the players brokering back-room deals in Washington to the men toiling in the oil fields of the Persian Gulf, the film's multiple storylines weave together to illuminate the human consequences of the fierce pursuit of wealth and power. As a career CIA operative (George Clooney) begins to uncover the disturbing truth about the work he has devoted his life to, an up-and-coming oil broker (Matt Damon) faces an unimaginable family tragedy and finds redemption in his partnership with an idealistic Gulf prince (Alexander Siddig). A corporate lawyer (Jeffrey Wright) faces a moral dilemma as he finesses the questionable merger of two powerful U.S. oil companies, while across the globe, a disenfranchised Pakistani teenager (Mazhar Munir) falls prey to the recruiting efforts of a charismatic cleric. Each plays their small part in the vast and complex system that powers the industry, unaware of the explosive impact their lives will have upon the world.</span><!--EZCODE FONT END--></em><!--EZCODE ITALIC END--><br><br>Just wondering what folks think... <p></p><i></i>

[manxkat]

Haven't seen it yet, but am planning to. Since I'm one of those Peak Oil people, it's a must see. Of course, it's just fiction..... the movie, that is. ;-) <p></p><i></i>

[anotherdrew]

well, I'll not drop any spoilers then. It's worth seeing, doesn't seem to ride any particular hobby-horse to death. I'm not sure what kind of effect it will have... just left me feeling like we are well and truely doomed, since nearly everyone in any position of influence/power is one form of shit head or another. I guess we'll just have to keep hoping/working for that great leap forward which has always been just around the corner. <p></p><i></i>

[rapt]

I had heard that the movie was complicated and hard to follow, so I was pleased to find that it really does flow smoothly, at least for one who has kept up with the workings of the Middle East.<br><br>There are only about three subplots, tied together comfortably if loosely by the fact that CIA, terrsts and the oil industry are inevitably intertwined.<br><br>Of course it would be helpful to see the picture a couple more times, but I was pleased to see that those seemingly diverse factions were tied together in the end: three heros dead, one each from Arab underground, oil cabal, and U.S. govt meddlers.<br><br>Highly recommended. Excellent acting, directing, production, scenery. Oscar material for sure, but too politically sensitive to be considered IMO. <p></p><i></i>

[Et in Arcadia ego]

Just got home from seeing it, and I was very impressed as well.<br><br>Not bad for Hollywood; and there's some subtleties embedded in it that make a second viewing. I don't want to spoil anything for those who'll soon be seeing it, but after a grace period, I'd enjoy discussing it in detail.<br><br>Guess we should dig this thread up in a couple of weeks or so and review.<br><br> <p></p><i></i>