I’m wary of directors who have a go-to guy: There’s a lot of talent in the mainstream movie industry, and using the one main lead over and over in all the work that you’re bringing to the big screen smacks of complacency. In the case of Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe, I try to give any new release that features this due a little air, like letting your wine breathe – before indulging. Having seen a trailer or two, I had my misgivings. I like aptly-acted tension and try not too hard to laugh (cry?) at the Pacino/De Niro school of hamming it up. Also, I intentionally let the theatre run die out. For movies I want to enjoy, I’d rather in the comfort of my own home, sans giggling teens or the usual distractions.

And I’m glad I did. Body of Lies may yet be the smartest post-9/11 thriller (to paraphrase a well-known reviewer) out there. Granted the whole thing jumps all over the place, but that’s exactly the point, and it’s quite a ride. Highlights include: an excellent screenplay, great pacing, very memorable characters (and good character development!)