Love him or hate him, Pierce Brosnan hasn't showed much range since rising to fame courtesy of James Bond. Though he makes a fine Agent 007, every character he plays outside of the Bond franchise is merely a variation of the secret agent, most notably his performance as the title character in 1999's "The Thomas Crown Affair."
In a wise career move, Brosnan stars as the bad guy in John Boorman's ("The General") political thriller "The Tailor of Panama." Based on the popular John Le Carre novel of the same name, it's a fast-paced, funny and involving tale where nothing is what it seems.
Brosnan stars as Andy Osnard, a British agent sent to Panama as a chance to redeem himself. His gambling and womanizing have gotten him into trouble with his agency. Nothing much ever happens in Panama so Andy isn't looking forward to his new assignment.
In order to gather whatever information he can and learn more about the country of Panama, Andy needs a tour guide. He digs up a British man named Harry Pendel (Geoffrey Rush). Harry is a famous tailor in Panama and a well-respected businessman. Nothing happens without him knowing about it.
Harry also happens to be married to an American woman named Louisa (Jamie Lee Curtis). She works closely to the president of Panama and soon Andy is trying to convince Harry to use her in gathering top secret information. Specifically, information addressing the rumors that Panama is going to sell their canal, which we returned to them in 1999.
Several other key players are involved in the espionage, including Harry's close friend, Mickie Abraxas (Brendan Gleeson), who may or may not be leading an underground radical political movement.
The acting is outstanding all-around. Brosnan shines in a role that lets him be unscrupulous and amoral while never losing the easy going charm that has made him famous. Rush matches him, creating a flawed character the audience sympathizes with from the word go. The always-excellent Gleeson offers solid support.
It may be a fictitious story, but part of what makes the film so compelling is the fact that it could easily happen. There's a lot going on here and the movie requires that the viewer pays strict attention.
Written by Le Carre, Boorman and Andrew Davies ("Bridget Jones's Diary"), "The Tailor of Panama" is a highly entertaining and well-crafted drama that will please moviegoers looking for a movie that emphasizes character over action.
Grade: A-
"The Tailor of Panama" opens Fri., April 20 at the Downer Theater.
