The Quiet American – 2002
Posted by Scott on 30 Jun 2008 at 01:59 am | Tagged as: Overlooked Films
I offer this as a companion piece to my review of Indochine. Vietnam in the 1950s was, to the say the least, a powder keg of political turmoil. The French were engaged in a desperate fight to maintain their colonial rule against the burgeoning Communist influence. Caught in the middle was an innocent populace unaffiliated with either side. Then there was America, not confident in the French’s staying power and vehemently opposed to Communist rule. America’s initial role was both subversive and coercive, but ultimately would become one of history’s biggest political blunders. Too bad we can’t learn from our mistakes.
Saigon, 1952, British journalist Thomas Fowler (Michael Caine) has built himself a comfy little existence, complete with a beautiful young mistress named Phuong. However, a lack of relevant stories means Thomas’s days in Saigon are numbered. Then Thomas meets young American Alden Pyle (Brendan Fraser), a mysterious fellow supplying economic aid to the embattled Vietnamese people. The two men form a quick bond, but their budding friendship is tested once Alden is introduced to the enchanting Phuong. Alden falls hard, preying upon Thomas’s insecurities as they both vie for Phuong’s affections.
Romantic conflict gives way to military conflict with the French vs. Communist war escalating. Thomas and his local informant Hinh begin to craft hard-hitting journalism which provides Thomas and extended stay. As Thomas digs he discovers a third-party ascending with covert American support. Violence increases and Alden’s identity is brought into question. Alden’s association with a CIA presence as well as his vigorous pursuit of Phuong leads Thomas to become untrusting of his new friend. Thomas’s little world starts to collapse, sending him into a tailspin that ends in betrayal and murder.
Director Phillip Noyce weaves an incendiary plot based on Graham Greene’s acclaimed novel. A tumultuous love triangle morphs into an intriguing chronicle of America’s early involvement in Vietnam. Eventually, everyone must choose a side and deal with the consequences which are often dire. Michael Caine hits another home run playing the disillusioned, forsaken Thomas Fowler. High praise for Brendan Fraser, an underrated actor, for his convincing portrayal of the enigmatic Pyle. The Quiet American is a compelling look at the complex puzzle that was Vietnam in the 1950s.
The trailer for The Quiet American:
