A decidedly deceptive trailer makes Ridley Scott’s new covert operations film Body of Lies seem like a battle of wits between Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. But the film actually delves much deeper into the bedlam of undercover missions, double-crosses and sabotage, and deals nail-biting suspense at every turn. Although the story looks like fuel for a Tony Scott (Ridley’s brother) film, ala Spy Game, the sheer intensity, violence, immediacy and realism of the cinematography has Ridley’s signature all over it.

Based on David Ignatius’ 2007 novel about CIA operative Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio), Body of Lies follows his undercover operations based around Iraq, Jordan (Amman), Dubai, Turkey, Syria, the U.S and more. Every move he makes is under aerial surveillance and the vigilant eye of Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe), his superior who continually yet unintentionally detrimentally interferes with crucial missions.

Every objective for Ferris is surrounded by side missions, conflicting intelligence gathering, and double-crosses from both his government and the Jordan secret police group headed by Hani (Mark Strong). As the media is manipulated along with everyone involved in the uncovering of terrorist bombings across Europe, Ferris invents a fictitious alternate terrorist brotherhood to ferret out Al Saleem, a treacherous man known to be involved with the majority of the anonymous attacks. As Hoffman works to preserve his agents’ involvement and Hani feeds his own ego, Ferris is confronted with several shocking revelations and choices that could ultimately lead to the death of his newfound love interest as well as his own.

Body of Lies doesn’t slow down to let the viewer catch up to all of the fast-talking political jargon, in-depth public opinion trajectory issues, and the guerilla warfare tactics employed by the allegedly unsophisticated enemy. If you miss something, you’re on your own. But this breakneck pace coupled with relentless explosions and firefights, fierce chase sequences, grueling torture and continual brushes with death allows for blistering intensity and an experienced examination of suspense. Scott persists with plenty of close-ups that keep audiences on the edge of their seats, afraid of the next bullet or bomb that will certainly strike onscreen.

While the structure found within Body of Lies is one not unfamiliar to Scott’s films, the flawless acting by both Crowe and DiCaprio paired with an intricate plot of trust and betrayal keeps the anticipation from ever backing down. A few of the twists may be predictable, but the deceptive motives of each character will keep you guessing their reactions until the unsettling conclusion. Body of Lies isn’t Scott’s best, but it certainly retains the finest elements of the masterful director’s style, attention to detail, and cunning build of tension and suspense.

- The Massie Twins

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