Desson Howe

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Behind The Screen
With Desson Howe
Washington Post Film Critic
Monday, April 9, 2001; 12:30 p.m. EDT

Washington Post film critic Desson Howe brings Behind The Screen Live Online for a discussion on filmmaking and the art of the cinema. Have you ever wanted to know what the director had in mind when making a particular film? Or why the producer altered the original screenplay? Why was an actor or actress cast over another? Howe has answers to these and other questions about filmmaking.

Howe has been a movie critic at The Washington Post for 13 years. He was raised in England, where he attended private school in Surrey. Although he was entranced, like most children, by Walt Disney movies, he says it was a visit to the local theater in the mid 1960s, to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.

Howe is online Mondays at 12:30 p.m. EDT.

A transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Desson Howe: What a great day. Spring time seems to be here, finally. Ready to talk movies with anyone who wants to. No question too weird, too esoteric, too dumb or too intelligent.

Arlington, Va.: I know you were a big fan of Gladiator but how do you explain a Spaniard speaking with a New Zealand accent? Also, exactly what was Alan Bates supposed to do in the last scene that he couldn't do after his death? Thanks.

Desson Howe: You see? No question too weird. Well, this is Hollywood, after all, where one's accent is the least of one's concerns. That is why, as I mentioned previously, that we have come to accept Brits as being snotty ancient Roman emperors, Sean Connery as a Soviet skipper, and John Wayne as Genhis Khan ("Yoore booodiful in yer wrath, pilgrim"). And aren't you referring to Oliver Reed, who died shortly after shooting that movie?

Washington, D.C.: Bridget Jones: bad or worth a look? I'm not looking for great comedy here -- I just liked the book, and I'm curious how it transferred to the big screen.

Desson Howe: If you're not looking for much, you should be very happy. It's a pleasant movie. I didn't hate it, or love it.

Arlington, Va.: Desson, saw a great rental this weekend. "Dark City," with Keifer Sutherland. Have you seen this? I was wondering when it was made and why it didn't get more play... it was incredible. Any more like it?

Desson Howe: For some reason, I didn't see it when it came out. Rita and Stephen reviewed it and, as I remember, liked it. I'd like to see it, based on your enthusiasm.

Centreville, Va.: Just a quick question. Would you reccommend one or two really good movies (available on video) to watch this weekend? I am looking for good old-fashioned, thought provoking, twists and turns. Preferably something not out of the mainstream side-aisle of Blockbusters.

Thanks!

Desson Howe: How about The Usual Suspects, Seven, and The Killers? All with twists and turns. Warning: Seven is also gruesome. The Killers is an old Stanley Kubrick film. Of course, you can't go wrong with The Maltese Falcon or Chinatown, too.

NW Washington, D.C.: Hello Desson -- Never miss your reviews or your online discussions. You are always such a pleasure.
I know you have expressed your dismay with rude fellow theatre-goers. I had a very frustrating experience with boorish patrons that had an interesting twist. During a recent Saturday matinee of CTHD at the Outer Circle, the theatre lights went up about fifteen minutes into the movie so that a group of about 50 latecomers could find seats. About ten of them took seats in front of my companion and me.
From beginning to end of the film, all ten of them talked and one used her cell phone perpetually. I left the theater about an hour into the movie to complain to the management but was told that they would do nothing to intervene. Why? Because this was a group from Gallaudet University and the mgmt did "not want to insult the handicapped."
Desson, continual sign language and a constantly lit-up TTY cell phone is just as rude as similar behavior by hearing people. I finally wrote a (very polite but firm) note to the group as they departed indicating that the "no talking and no cell phone" rules applied to deaf people as well but they just laughed or scowled at me.
I'd heard that CTHD -- because of its subtitles -- has brought in a greater proportion of deaf people. I love that movie and am glad that they can enjoy such a marvelous film. But should it be at the expense of their fellow patrons? And why didn't Outer Circle management step in? Thank goodness I was seeing CTHD for the second time or I would have been even more disappointed to have the experience disrupted by such rudeness.

Desson Howe: Boy, that's a real can of worms problem, isn't it? I don't think that anything could have been done about that. I mean, what do you tell deaf people, in a situation like that? I understand how hard that must have been. But surely the deaf patrons should have realized that their noises are disturbing to hearing people. Tough one, that situation. I mean, it's great that they can see and understand movies with a mainstream crowd. But there are social rules for all. Jeez, I feel like Ann Landers, now.

Sterling, Va.: Desson,

Went to see "Memento" in Fairfax over the weekend. Loved every second of it! I don't understand the complaints about the film being too smart or that it wouldn't work going forward in time. (That's like saying that The Godfather wouldn't ahve worked using sock puppets). Are there any plans for this film to be given a wide release or is it destined to be one of those underappreciated gems?

Desson Howe: So glad youliked it. Well, it did extend this weekend. I went and saw it a 2nd time this weekend at Mazza Gallerie. It wasn't there the previous week. I think it's at about 5 places now, up from 2 or 3.

Fairfax: Greetings, Desson.
Saw "Enemy at the Gates" yesterday. Thought the casting was TREMENDOUS. I've lived in Russia, and Hoskins as Krushchev was inspired!

However, I wish they would have done a better job w/ continuity - saw a Russian crossing himself western-style, instead of in the Orthodox fashion.

Your thoughts on the film?

Desson Howe: I enjoyed it, and I decided to ignore the usual things that annoy me, such as internationally cast, front-end collisions of accents (Eng, Am, Fre, Ger, Russ all apparently either Russ or Ger). Yes, Hoskins's casting was inspired!

Reston, Va.: R.E. "Bridget Jones" - I saw it last week in a screening and really enjoyed it, as did all my friends. It's not a super deep movie, but it was funny and sweet. I'm sure some folks will have problems with it, but if you're just looking to enjoy a movie, I'd recommend it. Cheers!

Desson Howe: Thanks ...

Reston, 20190: You haven't seen Dark City yet? Go rent the DVD this weekend! Good movie! Bizzare, though.

Desson Howe: Will get it sometime.

Springfield, Md.: Hello again Desson,

I have to say it -- it's "The Killing" by Kubrick. "The Killers" by Robert Siodmak is still an excellent picture, possibly even the better of the two. And for the person looking for comedy, I caught Howard Hawk's "His Girl Friday" again the other day and was reminded what a superb picture it is-fast, funny, and full of surprises.

Desson Howe: Gosh, you're right. Apologies. Yes, both films are great.

Arlington, Va.: Desson, back to the question/comment about accents, any insight as to why some actors employ accent coaches while others feel their normal speaking voices are suitable? (Meryl Streep vs. Kevin Kostner)

Thanks!

Desson Howe: Meryl Streep is an actor. Costner is a performer. She goes for real verisimilitude. He went for the action element as Robin Hood. I believe he also tried the English coaching and gave up for that film. Just as well.

Chevy Chase, Md.: Hi Desson, So what have you seen this week that we haven't? Spill the beans please? (You don't have to mention Josie, though)

Desson Howe: Well, it amounts to seeing Memento again. It proved my initial enthusiasm right. Great film. Also caught Bridget Jones Friday, which was pleasant and OK. Saw Shrek which is magnificent. And saw Joe Dirt which is pretty dumb. Sent Michael O'Sullivan to see Josie and the Pussycats.

Charlottesville: I finally rented 'Eyes Wide Shut' this weekend and was woefully disappointed. Kubrick has been one of my fave directors - especially with his use of light, color, texture, and atmosphere. Clockwork, Barry Lyndon and 2001 are all on my Top Twenty.

Twenty years from now when they are teaching Kubrick in Film Schools (or Film Critic's Schools), how will they reflect on his work? Or am I just wierd for feeling that Eyes Wide Shut was lousy way to end a career?

Desson Howe: It's an interesting end to a great career. I think of it as a worthy film to study. But its status as terrible or good remains very much a debate. I can understand your disappointment. I was rather more fond of it than most people, probably because I'm a big fan of Kubrick's. His failures, quote, unquote, are more interesting than many other people's successes. It's definitely a less than brilliant finish. He should have made more. But he took so many years to shoot each picture, he obviously didn't have many more films in him, anyway.

re: Russell Crowe's accent: I don't know how true this is, but I read somewhere that Crowe begged Ridley Scott to let him speak with a Spanish accent, but Scott wouldn't let him.

Desson Howe: Interesting. I can't picture Russell begging anyone to do anything, though.

Chevy Chase: Went to see Blow this weekend and definitely thought it seemed a bit too much like Goodfellas.

Also rented Million Dollar Hotel, which was interesting. Very odd cast. I liked it though I didn't get a feeling that the characters were well fleshed out, especially Gibson's character.

Desson Howe: Interesting. Yes, it was BlowFellas.

Arlington, Va.: Desson, I have to disagree with you on your take of "The Brothers". While there were several solidly funny moments, and the movie definitely pursued angles not normally seen in "black" movies, I felt like the last twenty minutes ruined it for me. So formulaic and expected! When you compare it to the rest of the movies in the genre (And what's up with that? There's only like, what, five movies to compare it to! Hello, Hollywood!) it's as good as, if not better than most of them.

Desson Howe: Basically, I compared it to the other stuff. And yes, major formulaic. But I enjoyed the chemistry among the friends enough to get through the other stuff.

Washington, D.C.: I saw Memento over the weekend. What an amazing, brilliantly structured film. I know it's a little early, but I think the Academy should just give Christopher Nolan the best screenplay award now because I can't imagine a better one coming along. Carrie Anne-Moss and Guy Pearce are also very worthy of Oscar nods.

Desson Howe: You're right. This is the best brain teaser since The Usual Suspects.

EraserheadGuy, D.C.: I'm glad to hear that no question is too weird. But today, a relatively restrained one: "Memento" is generating quite a bit of buzz on the arthouse circuit. Do you think if "The Pledge" had been marketed in the little theaters, it might not have sank like a stone? I haven't yet seen either movie, but they sound like they have not dissimilar themes. The reviews made it sound like "Pledge," notwithstanding the involvement of Nicholson and Penn, was not really megaplex fare.

Desson Howe: They're only slightly similar, in that a death is being avenged. But Memento is structured so originally, it's the real standout. Pledge was well directed, but too much of a downer, probably, to have been successful on a wider scale.

Arlington, Va.: After the glowing reviews of "Memento" by you and Rita, my husband and I waited through long lines at Shirlington to see it on opening night (got there early and queued up -- only to have them let in the later people first, since the line had double back on itself -- grr).

Anyway, I just wanted to say that I wished you'd spelled out a little more how violent it is. Although you talked about the somber and chilling mood, that's a different thing from violent... it seemed like something violent was happening in every scene. In your list of reasons for an R rating, violence came in third!

Desson Howe: I'm sorry if the violence ambushed you. I don't list things in order of frequency or anything like that. So, I wasn't specifically downplaying it. It doesn't seem close to being as violent as the average action picture.

Re: NW and deaf patrons: I wouldn't necessarily paint NW's experience as a typical experience with the deaf...

And haven't we read enough posts from inactive management to realize management rarely reacts to any rudeness, probably in fear of driving away customers.

I'd say with the number of movie companies going belly up that most theatre managers want to hold onto any customer, regardless of how rude

Desson Howe: Yes, of course. This was one group. I didn't want to suggest otherwise. But thanks for the comments.

notgnilrA: BOOOOOOO! PS. Leicester's now EIGHT Points out of Europe. Cheers! We'll see what happens next week in Olympic Stadium. I think they got away with an offsides there anyway. Sorry about the Bayern Munich game by the way. Didn't they know ahead of time that the FA Cup game would be played there? Hey, why was Man U off this weekend? It inspired my to head to Shirlington. Thanks for the great review. I thought its structure was absolutely brilliant. It's changed my life. Saw Memento this weekend. Hi Desson!

Desson Howe: ! much very you thank, notgnilrA
I'll save everyone from reading a reverse-order reply.
Yes, Bayern got away with murder. They were definitely offside. But no use crying over spilled milk, or something. Glad you appreciated the movie. And Leicester are going to have to buck up, to get back up there.

Arlington, Va.: Desson-

The Usual Suspects is a great flick! "Keyser Sose!" Haunting, clever, well acted. Definitely rental worthy.

Want to add that I recently rented "The Apostle" after all the talk here about it. Mr. Duvall is an actor and a half. His struggles with his demons moved me to tears. But the bit with Billy Bob (that was him, wasn't it? He looks so different in every film I see him) getting "saved" seemed a little contrived.

Desson Howe: Glad you appreciate both films. I didn't have a problem with the saving, myself.

Springfield, Md.: Desson,

I wanted to get your thoughts on one of my favorite films from your homeland, Powell and Pressberger's "The Red Shoes." I don't know why it has never been more popular in the States, but was it something you remember seeing as a child? It's the second film I remember seeing and it was so profound and intense (visually and emotionally), that it changed my moviegoing forever. I would easily rank it in my 'Top 10' (if I could ever narrow it down to ten). Your thoughts on it?

Desson Howe: Aaaah, the Red Shoes . Absolutely magnificent film. It was a critical hit. Not sure if it was a commercial hit in the States. Moira Shearer. Great cinematography. Great script and direction. And quite irrelevantly, a great Elvis Costello tune too.

Nani/Texas: I don't know about thought-provoking, but for twists and turns, how about Death Trap with Michael Caine, Christopher Reeves and Dian Cannon. What a fun movie this was!

Desson Howe: Thanks.

Alexandria, Va.: I saw Memento this weekend and was just deeply affected. It stayed with me in a haunting way for hours afterwards. I can't explain why, but it just was deeply deeply disturbing and wonderful, too. I will see it again next weekend.

I simply adore Guy Pearce. He is remarkable in everyting (from Pricilla to this--wow!) Now we need him to be in a movie with Clive Owen. Sigh.

Desson Howe: Great! What a team that would be.

Re: Memento: Is it doing enough biz or generating enough word-of-mouth for it to move out of the art cinemas into wider release?

Desson Howe: Yeah, its word of mouth has made it expand, clearly.

University Park, Md.: More on the Accent Question: What sort of accent would you have Mr. Crowe adopt? A British accent certainly might sound nice and Masterpiece Theatre-ish, but would it be any more authentic than a New Zealand accent (which frankly sounded nearly American to me)? The man played a Roman general living in Spain; since we don't know what kind of accent a Latin-speaking Roman would have, I figure anything goes.

Desson Howe: Well, yes. I agree with you. I was simply pointing out that anything goes. It's the dramatic effect of the moment that matters, accent or not.

Bethesda, Md.: Hello.
I just saw Black Narcissus for the first time and was disappointed. I wanted to watch it after I saw some beautiful shots from the film during the Oscar presentation for Jack Cardiff last month. Other than the cinematography, I wasn't very impressed by the film. What do you think about the movie?
Do you think Powell and Pressburger were the best British filmmakers, or that (like I do) David Lean is?

Desson Howe: Ooooh, I love that film. I admit, it's very, very weird. And I can understand it seeming out there. But visually, it was outstanding. And I am a deep admirer of the partnership between Emric Pressburger and Michael Powell. Cardiff was inspired. They were the best cinematic team in England. I love David Lean, too. He's up there with them, of course.

Arlington, Vaa: Hello Desson,

No bizarro question from me today- but a semi-bizarre rant. The new Vanity Fair cover (the special Legends of Hollywood) cover really annoyed me. They deign to picture Penelope Cruz, Chloe Sevigny, and (worst of all) Gwyneth Paltro alongside Vanessa Redgrave, Sophia Loren and Catherine Deneuve!? It's just insulting- there are so few Hollywood legends remaining- let those fabulous women (and men) have their own cover without the interlopers.

Thanks Desson.

PS- I'm 28 years old, (just in case someone thinks I'm old and crotchety).

Desson Howe: You're right. None of these beautiful young thangs are legends. Shows the ageist bias in these kind of conceptual sessions.

re: deaf moviegoers: As a deaf man myself, if these deaf patrons were as bad as the poster says, well, then they should've been placed atop manhole covers in Georgetown

-BUT- consider this:

CTHD is the only major movie I've been able to attend without having to wait for it to come out on video so I could use the captions.

I guess the point is that many deaf people have no idea how to behave in a theatre BECAUSE many of them have never been in one before!

Desson Howe: Thanks for your feedback.

New York City, N.Y.: The Apostle has come up a few times here in discussion. I saw the movie a few times when it came out (I was working for the ad agency which helped promote it). And it never really delivered for me. For all his (Duvall's character) sufferings, he was essentially the same person at the end as he was in the beginning. No repentance, no real behavior change, just a change of location. But I do agree that Duvall delivered a good performance.

Desson Howe: Well, I feel as though he went through a cycle (from bad to worse), and his performance was so outstanding, I would hardly have noticed, if h hadn't been though enough of an arc.

Alexandria, Va.: Saw Bridget Jones' Diary at Ballston Commons on Sat. night. Not a chick flick at all (I'm male), and quite funny. My wife and I thought Renee Z.'s accent was pretty well on (as did our Brit friend), although I've heard a lot of contrary opinions. My only question... why did they so abruptly quit with the diary entries written across the screen?

Desson Howe: Thanks for sending. I think they figured people would get tired of seeing words on the screen, and being reminded that they were watching a movie. And besides, her weight rate was not interesting, as a day by day litany.

Arlington, Va.: I understand that Memento was based on a short story written by the director's brother. Any idea where that story was originally published?

Desson Howe: I was wondering myself, and will try to locate it.

Leinxgton, Ky.: I saw American Psycho this weekend just on a whim. I thought the end was kinda tiresome with all the "things are not what they seem" plot twists of late.

Desson Howe: Frankly, I hated it.

Rosslyn, Va.: Hey Desson...

I saw Blow over the weekend and have to agree with most all reviews I read about it. Whereas I truly enjoyed Johnny Depp (as always - yum!) and thought he did quite well in the movie, I ended up feeling a bit sorry for the character. His life could have been anything and ended up as nothing - somewhat pitiful.

When can I see Mr. Depp again?

Desson Howe: He's going to be the playwright Christopher Marlowe in Marlow, and he plays a detective on the trail of Jack the Ripper in From Hell.

Arlington, Va.: Desson,

I just wanted to add my raves about Memento, best Saturday afternoon entertainment I've had since I was at Old Trafford for Manchester United-Leicester in March (and we will bounce back in Germany on Wednesday). My question regards the opening of the movie and how it will affect what I see as a sure Oscar for screenplay. I haven't seen something this original in years and feel that the lack original storytelling ability is Hollywood's biggest shortcoming. However, will the early release hinder its chances at an award. I realize it didn't hurt Julia Roberts, but no one was going to let her slip through the cracks anyway.

Desson Howe: I think it's so darn good, it will withstand the time lag. Thanks for the comments and the chin-up ManU pep talk.

ArtMovieLover, Va.: I think the clips of "Black Narcissus" that were shown during the Oscars telecast was the Academy's greatest public service in years. I'm sorry that someone out there didn't like it, but the fact that you saw the clips and were inspired to rent the movie makes my heart sing!

If you didn't care for "Black Narcissus," try "The Life and Times of Colonel Blimp" or "The Tales of Hoffman." I don't much care for the latter. I love the former. And there's always the beautiful "Red Shoes," which was referred to earlier. I believe Jack Cardiff was the cinematographer on all of the above.

Desson Howe: Oh yes, you're so right. Cardiff is great, as are Pressburger and Powell.

Reston, 20190: On accents:
In "Robin Hood: Men In Tights" Cary Elwes, as Robin, is asked something along the lines of "Why you?" His reply: "I have a -real- english accent". OK, it's not Blazing Saddles ("It's twue! It's twue!"), but it is fun.

Desson Howe: Yes, that was the only funny line in the movie.

re: Dark City: Desson,

I saw Dark City a while ago with a friend. The plot itself has A LOT of problems. Many things just don't hold together well. That being said, however, it was visually stunning, Rufus Sewell was very good, and we couldn't stop talking about it afterwards.

Also, I saw Bridget Jones this weekend, and enjoyed it. If you haven't read the book, though, it probably isn't as entertaining.

Desson Howe: Thanks. Tried reading B. Jones but couldn't get past 5 pages.

Chevy Chase, Md.: Shrek! I am DYING to see it. I heard the first 45 minutes are spent in comic pandemonium and that there are a million and one inside jokes relating to Disney and it's characters. Being a Dreamworks picture, supposedly the evil villain is Eisner or someone. Glad to hear you liked it!
And BTW, Eyes Wide Shut is a must-see in a theater, not at home! It is stunning!

Desson Howe: Thanks!

Near Boaz, Ala.: "Oh Brother Where Art Thou" has been playing here for two months now and is still doing well in Birmingham and Huntsville. Is there something to be ssaid for regional audiences; and do you stand by your lukewarm initial assessment of the film. Also do you consider "Ironweed" to have been one of the great, or better films, of the last quarter century and when do you think it will be out on DVD?
Did you review "Blow?" Please list the link for the Post review. Atlanta Const gave it a B minus

washingtonpost.com: Blow Overdoses on Druggie Cliches (Post, April 6)

Desson Howe: I liked the movie as far as it went. But it stopped short for me. If others liked it for their own reasons, I'm glad for them, but I can't revise my perception. I reviewed Blow last week. Should be easy to find. Message me again, if you'd like the text of it.

Potomac, Md.: Several years ago (maybe 5?) they had a theater in Wheaton that offerred interactive movies. The audience would vote at certain times during the film, and each time, the movie would be slightly different. Viewers were encouraged to voice their opinions -- I had a great time yelling at everybody else in the theater to vote as I wanted. It didn't last too long, a year at most. I know that several other cineplexes in the area carried the technology. I'm trying to find a place to see it again. Do you have any information on the name of the company that makes those kinds of movies? I tried to contact the theatre in Wheaton but they didn't have any information.

Desson Howe: Ask me next week. I remember that place. But need time to find it out.

Washington, D.C.: Where do you think that Memento ranks when compared to some of the other recent great film noirs like Chinatown and L.A. Confidential?

Desson Howe: Well, give a wine time to age! I would say that the fact I am even considering it in that company is pretty good. And it's more than film noir. It's a structure unto itself.

McLean, Va.: Hi, Desson. Yes, it's true that Russell Crowe asked to do a Spanish accent in Gladiator. But they all were instructed in a British accent. Even Connie Nielsen. In the making of special, she speaks with an American accent. Crazy, huh?

Desson Howe: Thanks.

Memento short story:: http://www.esquire.com/features/articles/001323_mfr_memento_1.html

Desson Howe: Awesome! Thanks.

Arlington, Va.: Regarding Shrek, I read a review today that says most of it will be over kid's head. What is your thoughts on that? Regarding Bridget Jones Diary, saw it two Thursday's ago at a screening in Arlington and loved it, and Blow, this was over-hyped from everything I had read, and not worth full price.

Desson Howe: My 9 year old loved Shrek. So did I.

Burke, Va.: I saw Memento over the weekend and really liked it, but I completely hate the name of the movie! It gave me connotations of something completely different, as if it were just trying to have a hip one word title. What do you think?

Desson Howe: Hadn't thought about it. But a memorable title, whether you like or not, no?

Memento location: The original short story was just published in last month's issue of Esquire. Read the story, can't wait to see the movie.

Desson Howe: Yes.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Desson!
I'm a big fan of good cinematography. Can you recommend some of your favorites?
Thanks!

Desson Howe: I recommend highly the film Visions of Light: The Art of Cinematography, which you can find in the documentary section in any decent video store. It gets into many of my innumerable favorites.

Springfield, Md.: Re: Black Narcissus

Not the greatest of The Archers' series, but the more you know about those behind it the better it gets. I would recommend Bethesda check out The Red Shoes, A Matter of Life and Death (Stairway to Heaven in US?), and The Tales of Hoffmann as representatives of the best in their productions. If they're feeling really brave, try Peeping Tom - It's the best bad movie I have ever seen!
And I still get chills every time I see that Archers logo with the arrow in the target.

Desson Howe: Right, thanks.

Washington, D.C.: I rented the DVD version of Erin Brockovich. The DVD has a section of scenes that were cut from the film, narrated by the director. I thought it was fascinating to get the director's perspective on what he was trying to convey in each scene and the dilemmas he and the editor faced when trying to keep the film to a reasonable length. Can you recommend other DVD's that include the director's comments? Other films I have rented did not include this.

Desson Howe: Maybe others can recommend next week?

Bangor, Maine: Hi Desson:

Okay, Memento. Original, or going so far back into 40s noir that few remember the ubuiquity of short term memeory, then called amnesia? Rememebr Somewhere in the Night? Didn't Hollywood live on amnesia sagas for awhile. Also there is a tremendous Cornell Woolrich novel called The Black Curtain that virtually wrote the book on remebering forgotten murders.

Desson Howe: Yes, its idea is not new by any stretch.

Laurel: Just saw "Tailor of Panama" and loved it to death, but then the favorite film of my lifetime is "Breaker Morant" and before my birth is "The Third Man," so you might say it appeals to my taste.

Either your or Steven Hunter's review mentioned that Le Carre takes a non-romantic view of spying/foreign service (i.e. the anti-James Bond view) and presents them as working in world of incredible bureaucracy and egotism. I don't doubt that Le Carre knows of what he speaks.

Can you recommend other espionage films in which the hero doesn't just cut through the proverbial BS and save the world by being so good at his job he simply transcends the working conditions of everyday life?

Desson Howe: Again, maybe next week. Glad you liked the movie. I also love the Third Man and Breaker Morant.

Desson Howe: Thanks everyone for playing. As to the question about the War Zone, will try and get back to you, if you remind me. It's drawing a blank. Can't recall seeing it. See you all next week. Cheers.

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