Written by Brenda Frawley

Edited by Matt Wilson

 

A Most Wanted Man is based on the novel of the same name by that master of the spy thriller, John Le Carré. It begins with the arrival in Hamburg of the wanted man of title, a young fugitive on a mission to claim a mysterious fortune. Various agencies of intrigue are immediately on his trail as he is perceived as a possible threat to national and international security. One such agency is led by Günther Bachmann, played by the late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman, in one of his final roles. Günther is a big bear of a man, haunted by past betrayals, whose smoking and drinking is far more than merely recreational. He and his team of coolly efficient spies are established as the good guys from early on as they fight the good fight and, in the words of Robin Wright's sly American agent, try to make the world a little safer. Joining forces with Rachel McAdams' well-meaning immigration lawyer and Willem Dafoe's conflicted banker, they hatch an elaborate plan to help the innocent young Chechen and uncover an even bigger conspiracy.

It almost goes without saying that Philip Seymour Hoffman is flawless in a part that suits his world weariness and ability to portray hang-doggedness to perfection. However the film itself is neither his equal nor that of the uniformly fine cast (including standout Nina Hoss who is particularly soulful and elegant as one of Günther’s team). The pacing is wonky and the film is nowhere near as intriguing and suspenseful as it thinks it is. There is a distance and coldness here which means it is hard to fully engage with the plot and characters despite the hard work of all involved. The use of Hamburg as a location is interesting and there are many strikingly beautiful and unusual buildings and interiors used throughout (Dafoe's character's house is particularly impressive and drool worthy). Unfortunately, though there is much to admire, the sum is less than the parts and A Most Wanted Man, though watchable throughout, ultimately disappoints.