In 1939, Edward Wilson (Damon) is one of America's brightest and best: Yale-educated, a member of the secretive Skull & Bones society, married to a senator's daughter (Jolie), recruited by a general (De Niro) to launch the government's intelligence service. Over the decades, he'll see off the Nazis, grapple with the Russkies and try to out-think Castro. But his his wife and son (Redmayne) hardly know him. Indeed, the phrase "there's a stranger in the house" has more than one meaning.

In many ways, Roth has simply rewritten his Forrest Gump script for the Bush II era--a more troubled time in which government motivations and secrets are questioned and true family values sit at odds with right-wing hypocrisy. This is a thoroughly involving story loaded with terrific characters and insightful observations about America in the middle years of the 20th century. And of course it's actually all about right now.

Damon holds the film with a sensitive, introspective portrait of a cold, enigmatic man no one (including us) ever really knows. And the vast supporting cast bring their characters to vivid life. Standouts include Jolie's seductive debutante, who keeps her spark as she morphs into a hollowed-out Washington wife. Gambon is terrific as Wilson's shady poetry professor; Hurt, Baldwin, Turturro and De Niro have superb moments. And Sessions and Stefan are excellent as Commies on opposite sides--or maybe not. On the other hand, Crudup's plumy Brit is a little forced.

As the central mysteries of Wilson's life violently twist and tighten, we begin to feel for him as he's forced to make decisions that chip away at his humanity. De Niro directs in a subtle and elegant style, and Roth writes with an attention to detail and an ear for telling, intelligent dialog. But despite its nearly three-hour running time, this is not an epic. And as a private odyssey it feels just a little indulgent and plodding. Kind of like the CIA itself.

themes, violence, language, sexuality

18.Dec.06