In the new Ridley Scott movie, “Body Of Lies,” Russell Crowe is fascinating as a CIA director who controls events in the Middle East from his cell phone in Washington, D.C.

Whether he is having breakfast out on his boat, which is moored on a small dock outside his house, or watching his young daughter play soccer, Crowe’s character Ed Hoffman is directing traffic worldwide.

Crowe reportedly gained 60 pounds to play Hoffman as a drab and lumbering stiff, with a light and easy drawl.

His main field operative is Roger Ferris, played with intensity by Leonardo DiCaprio, in the movie directed by Scott. The versatile actor, who came into his own in adult roles beginning with “Gangs Of New York” and continuing with an Oscar nominated role in “Blood Diamond,” continues his outstanding run with this role.

Ferris is for America all the way, and will do what is necessary to meet his goals.

In Jordan, Ferris is hot on the trail of Al Salim (Alon Abutbul) a powerful terrorist, who is orchestrating bombings throughout Europe.

Looking for help from the Jordanian General Intelligence Department, Ferris asks for the help of its director, Hani Salaam, powerfully played by Mark Strong.

Advertisement

Ferris is thwarted several times by the behind-the-scenes workings of Hoffman, which puts him at odds with Salaam.

The action under Scott is good, and the dialogue from screenwriter William Monahan’s adaptation of David Ignatius’ novel is crisp.

The budding romance with Jordanian doctor Aisha, played by Golshifteh Farahani, seems forced and false, but is a necessary vehicle for much of the climactic action that wraps up the story.

Lies, back-stabbing and behind-the-scenes finagling keeps everyone guessing who is the good guy and who is the bad.

The truth is that everyone is doing what he or she believes is right. Of course, in the Middle Eastern war on terrorism, the lines have become blurred.

Most scenes between Crowe and DiCaprio are through phone calls, but the few occasions when the two powerhouses are in the same room are great to watch.

The ease and manner with which Crowe delivers his lines are both charming and terrifying. His character seems to relish manipulating all parties involved, no matter who it affects — ally or not.

As the terrorist Salim, Abutbul is chilling, while Strong is outstanding as the Jordanian intelligence head.

The twists and turns of the plot are satisfying as the movie comes to an end. Unfortunately, what is seen throughout is what one sees every day on the 24-hour news channels.

Perhaps that is why movies about the Middle East conflicts have not done well at the box office.

But “Body Of Lies,” like recent movies about this subject including “Syriana,” are still well-made works of art that just are too real to thoroughly enjoy as entertainment.

Probably with time and distance from the subject — if that will ever be possible — these movies will get their due.

Staff writer Brad Memberto can be reached at 737-1055 or by e-mail at

bmemberto@santamariatimes.com.