The Secret Agent (1996)
Bob Hoskins, Patricia Arquette, Gerard Depardieu
London of the late 19th century is a haven for political exiles of all sorts - refugees, partisans, anarchists. Verloc has made his living spying for the Russian goverment, an agent provacateur of sorts, while simultaneously providing information to the London police, specifically Chief Inspector He... (read more) London of the late 19th century is a haven for political exiles of all sorts - refugees, partisans, anarchists. Verloc has made his living spying for the Russian goverment, an agent provacateur of sorts, while simultaneously providing information to the London police, specifically Chief Inspector Heat. When the new Russian ambassador demands he prove his worth or lose his salary, Verloc sets off a tragic chain of events that involves his pretty young wife Winnie, her retarded brother Stevie, and a figure called the Professor, whose fascination with explosives and destruction makes him the person to call on when Verloc needs a bomb.
Flixster Users
R, 95 min.
Directed by:
Christopher Hampton
Release Date: Nov 08, 1996
DVD Release Date: Jun 07, 2005
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Great acting in a slow-moving film. Still it is Robin Williams that surprisingly shines in his role as a suicide bomber. I was actually in a shock seeing him this good!!! Also liked the film's historical setting, but the story and ending is a little ... (read more) Great acting in a slow-moving film. Still it is Robin Williams that surprisingly shines in his role as a suicide bomber. I was actually in a shock seeing him this good!!! Also liked the film's historical setting, but the story and ending is a little too simple and obvious to really give a lasting impact
If you have ever wondered if Christian Bale could play a lovable retarded kid then this movie is your answer. Also a top notch performance from Robin Williams as the anarchist bomb maker.
first film i ever saw christian bale in and robin williams is such a paraniod loon as if we didn't know a lovely understated film that goes with a bang
It's during movies like this I'm able to take full advantage of my solitaire addiction. (An extra 1/2 star for Bale.)
The one star is for Robin Williams. For a movie that starts off not giving you much to go on, this movie heads right into a parade of the obvious. Even a creepy Robin Williams character couldn't save this film.
One of the most gripping films I've seen in a while. Special mention for Robin Williams who is outstanding among a brilliant cast.
A smart, intense character study of small-timers caught in the clockwork tragedies of larger and more powerful interests. Hampton made the right decision in limiting this extended short story to 95 minutes, ending it right about where viewer interest... (read more) A smart, intense character study of small-timers caught in the clockwork tragedies of larger and more powerful interests. Hampton made the right decision in limiting this extended short story to 95 minutes, ending it right about where viewer interest begins to lag.
Great movie, with stellar performances from Hoskins, Bale, and Williams. The only problems with this one are its slow pace and sometimes hard to follow story.
A collection of good actors come together for this adaptation, sadly the directing is let down and you find yourself losing interest in parts.
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