February 2006:
Number 502
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A newsletter for the students, faculty and staff of the Collin County Community College District. Published monthly. For information or submissions, call 972.758.3849. Cougar News welcomes student and faculty submissions. Next deadline: Feb. 7. All submissions are due by 5 p.m. on the due date. Photos cannot be returned. Text should be emailed to mrobinson@ccccd.edu or sent on disk. Please submit copy that is proofed, edited and saved in Word format. Cougar News staff: Lisa Vasquez, director; Mark Robinson, editor; Marcy Cadena-Smith, contributor; Sydney Portilla-Diggs, student correspondent; Stephanie Hall, student correspondent; Jennifer Baker, student correspondent; Nick Young, photographer; Layout by Publications
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Movie Review -- "Syriana"
By Sydney Portilla-Diggs
Campus Correspondent
Starring: Kayvan Novak as Arash
George Clooney as Bob Barnes
Amr Waked as Mohammed Sheik Agiza
Christopher Plummer as Dean Whiting
Jeffrey Wright as Bennett Holiday
Matt Damon as Bryan Woodman
Running time: 126 minutes
Rated R for violence and language
“Syriana” is the directorial debut for Stephen Gaghan, who won an Oscar for Best Screenplay for “Traffic.” The word “syriana” is a genuine term used by Washington think tanks as a way to describe the hypothetical restructuring of the Middle East. A cast of heavy hitters portrays an intricate web of players that weave a complex and ambiguous tale of the United States Government’s role in the Middle East and the oil business.
In terms of cinematography, everyone involved focused on realism and authenticity. The movie was filmed in locations from around the world from Washington to Dubai. The use of hand-held cameras allowed for a documentary feel. Characters spoke foreign languages with accurate accents and inflections. Although the film is loosely based by the life of CIA operative Robert Baer, George Clooney’s character Bob Barnes personifies the proverbial CIA foot soldier.
With thirty extra pounds, the Hollywood heartthrob is barely recognizable as he portrays the unglamorous protagonist. As main characters go, the audience may find it difficult to determine just whom the bad guys are and who the good guys are in the film. The ambiguity serves to bring realism to the plot because in real life things may not always be what they seem.
The several seemingly unrelated plot lines run simultaneously, which provokes serious introspection and conversation beyond the actual viewing of the movie. In one story line, Bob Barnes is a dedicated CIA agent and expert in Middle East affairs; his years of service have nearly cost him his family. Still, he remains loyal because he believes he is doing the right thing. Despite his loyalty, the agency considers Bob’s particular brand of talents to be obsolete. Therefore, Bob Barnes becomes expendable. In another, Matt Damon plays Bryan Woodman an energy analyst with a wife and two small children.
After losing his son in a tragic accident, he throws himself into to work, which brings him into direct contact with the Emir’s son Prince Nasir. The Emir has two sons Prince Nasir and Prince Meshal. Prince Nasir has been groomed to secede his father. Woodman expects Prince Nasir to be a flamboyant, irresponsible contender for the title of Emir. However, he is pleasantly surprised that Prince Nasir is somewhat of a visionary and holds progressive political views.
Prince Meshal is little more than a hand puppet. Because of this, the machinations of the corrupt oil conglomerate easily manipulate him towards their interests. However, the audience may find the disenfranchised Pakistani youth Wasim to be the most likable character and the easiest to feel a connection with. Wasim’s story makes us question what we think we know about the people who we categorize as terrorists. The film may feel entrenched in foreign and domestic policy problems within the United States government. And it is definitely not the movie you want to see if you are looking for lighthearted entertainment or the feel good movie of the season.
However, if you are looking for education and an opportunity to gain a different perspective on issues in the Middle East, Syriana may just be the film you have been waiting for. How deep are you willing to go down the rabbit hole?
5 out of 5 paws.
[PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION]
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