The Amateur – Film Review
by Brian Merriman

Directed by James Hawes
Written by Ken Nolan, Gary Spinelli, based on the novel by Robert Littell
Starring:  Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Holt Mc Callany, Laurence Fishbourne

Sometimes when an actor plays an iconic role on screen, it’s challenging to accept that actor as another character. Of his many talents, it is Rami Malek’s face that made him the perfect visual choice to recreate the giant of a rock star that was Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody).

Malek is instantly surprising as the understated Charlie Heller in an early shot, where his small stature (1.71m) is challenged by the presence of Rachel Brosnahan as his wife Sarah. But Malek’s presence throughout Nolan and Spinelli’s innovative screenplay is every bit as impactful as such a thriller requires. He demonstrates clearly, there is a lot more to his acting repertoire than the high-profile role previously mentioned.

As with any CIA-themed thriller, there is intrigue, science, computers, surveillance, violence and a debatable sense of revenge-filled honour from some. Heller is a computer wizard, much like Rami Malek’s previous role in Mr. Robot. He works for the CIA on the lower floors. Julianne Nicholson’s ‘Director O’Brien’ struggles in the contemporary climate to persuade us that accountability and honour still matter in the public sector, being gutted for profit, in the USA. Considering she probably would have been dismissed from her post in present-day America as she is an (intelligent and accountable) woman leader, it does strain the plausibility a little, to no fault of the movie.

The Hellers, Charlie and Sarah, are a young professional compatible couple in love. Brosnahan is too briefly present on screen and in some odd flashbacks to warrant a leading actor billing. Charlie loses her very early on, and the studious, computer nerd wants to avenge that loss. He may be out of his depth physically, lacking the killer instinct, but intellectually, he makes TV’s McGyver look like some guy who can’t work an abacus!

There are lots of clever scientific twists and turns that enable this seriously underestimated code breaker to pursue and punish, throughout a nicely paced, visually impressive plot, ably directed by Hawes. The Amateur is shot in Bond-like locations that add to the extent of the global network of corruption amongst those that we think are protecting us.

The darker side of the CIA is in the safe hands of clean-cut Director Moore, a polished Holt McCallany. He is smooth, has some loyal workmates and of course, the one or two who might come good when the chips are down? One mole, an impressive Caitriona Balfe, is the dramatic pulse of the second part of the movie as Charlie flees the double-cross and averts the bullets of the guys who are supposed to be protecting us all….

There is nothing amateurish in this action-packed movie. Perhaps it could also be titled The Underestimated? If it were, it would tee you up to expect the unexpected, the unlikely and a jaw-dropping demonstration of how we have blindly accepted the advantages of our new technology, while putting ourselves under permanent, incredibly detailed surveillance. We do that daily, without knowing anymore, if it is controlled by the dark side or if there are any honourable good guys left out there.

Charlie is an unlikely hero, and his journey in battling substantial odds makes for a great two hours of action and a new form of technological vindication. Malek’s performance as the underdog is authentic, likeable and well worth a look.