Directed by Billy Ray, Breach is a docudrama based on the chain of events that lead to the arrest of spy Robert Hanssen, an FBI agent who sold highly sensitive information to the Soviet Union over more than twenty years. Arrested in February of 2001, Hanssen was responsible for possibly the largest US intelligence breach to date, having revealed the identity of American double agents (which lead to the death of many), and divulged numerous highly sensitive information about US counterintelligence efforts. The extent of the damage he has done is still classified, which shows you it was a pretty big freaking deal.

As the movie starts, Hanssen (Chris Cooper) is already under suspicion by authorities but the FBI wants to catch him in the act so he can be charged with the death penalty and be pressured to reveal information concerning the security breach. Eric O’Neill (Ryan Phillippe), a young FBI trainee, is assigned as an undercover clerk for Hanssen, and tasked to gain his trust and watch his every move.

Breach is an intelligent and tense psychological thriller, literally a study of a spy’s mind. What motivated him to become a spy for our enemies? How was he able to divulge some much information over such a long period of time? The dialogues are meaningful and tense, the main characters are rich, complex and fully developed. The movie is beautifully shot through a blue-lens giving the movie a cold and somber atmosphere.

Chris Cooper turns in a FASCINATING performance as Robert Hanssen. Enigmatic, terrifying, morally rigid yet corrupt, and incredibly intelligent, Cooper’s interpretation of Robert Hanssen was a stroke of genius. A simple stare by him is enough to raise the tension of a scene greatly and he did a terrific job portraying a mercurial and abrasive character. More often seen in supporting roles, it’s refreshing to see an actor of his background get a powerful role such as this one. He literally carried the movie on his back! Ryan Phillippe was solid as Eric O’Neill and a dark, cold movie like Breach is ideal for his somewhat limited acting range. Laura Linney is her usual reliable self, turning in a solid performance as the no non-sense high ranking FBI agent Kate Burroughs, who is in charge of the investigation.

Breach is a tense, intelligent, and suspenseful espionage movie, thanks in large part to a fantastic performance by Chris Cooper.

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