![]() Keira Knightley gives a focused, plausible and sympathetic performance as Gun, and the film shows that she is in many ways the classic whistleblower. Gun herself was prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act. ![]() And while director Gavin Hood doesn’t make a cameo in the film, his background in acting may have played a role in drawing such powerful performances from his cast.The Observer’s front page on 2 March 2003.Īlthough it did not stop the war, as Gun dreamed of doing, it played an important part in turning press and public opinion. One particularly satisfying instance of the latter comes with the line, “Go and fish somewhere else.” Fiennes delivers it with all the emphasis and rich subtext that viewers could hope for, given the moment, and they won’t be disappointed with the rest of his impressive work in the film.īrilliant performances from Knightley and Fiennes carry “Official Secrets,” but they’re supported by strong contributions from Matt Smith, Matthew Goode and Rhys Ifans. The way in which Fiennes’ eyes speak for him is an art in itself, and whether he’s facing off against the prosecution or turning away a former friend, sparks emit from his orbs. He’s fierce when facing the bullies but gentle toward their victims. The actor incorporates in his speech slight tics that reflect Ben’s intelligence and shapes the character to be adaptive and deeply principled. ![]() And Fiennes was most certainly the right man for the job.įiennes plays Ben Emmerson, a lawyer whose acumen is respected by his colleagues. It takes an incredibly strong actor to pull off a late entry into a plot by a character so pivotal to its outcome. And while he doesn’t appear in “Official Secrets” until its third act, Fiennes’ limited screen-time doesn’t detract from its impact. Whether he’s Amon Goeth in “Schindler’s List” or Lord Voldemort in the “Harry Potter” series, the thespian’s ability to take on the second skin of his character is a proven gift. Though Knightley has been a household name for years, her accomplished work in “Official Secrets” could herald a career-defining performance.įiennes always puts on a master class in acting. More than a few tears are sure to be shed by the time the credits roll. Ultimately, what viewers will connect with most powerfully is the courage that the actress infuses into the character. The conviction she portrays is moving, and the anguish she externalizes cuts deep. Knightley has displayed ease with strong, vehement characters in the past, but her take on Katharine showcases a richer emotional range. The actress emits a raw intensity seemingly drawn from a place deep within her. However, during a key point, when a character dear to Knightley is targeted, the answer becomes clear. Hence, viewers may go into the film uncertain of how the primarily period-piece actress will do in a more contemporary premise of considerable political depth. And Knightley’s list of credits, while impressive, has not previously included a role like Katharine. Katharine may be more mature and may live in a different era, but she recalls the strength and courage of Elizabeth Swann. ![]() Here’s how their performances stack up.Īt the outset of the film, one might be concerned that Katharine could just be another iteration of Knightley’s character from the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. She’s surrounded by an all-star cast, which includes Ralph Fiennes. Keira Knightley portrays Katharine in “Official Secrets,” the film based on the explosive real-life story. in the run-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Even those in Gun’s native country might not have heard the story of how the British whistleblower risked imprisonment by exposing a blackmailing operation perpetrated by the U.S. Those unfamiliar with Britain’s recent political history may not know the name Katharine Gun.
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