The Good Shepherd (2006)

DVD COVER/SIDE

Length of film:  167 Minutes

Rated: R

Genre: History, Drama, Thriller

Director: Robert De Niro

Starring: Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro, Alec Baldwin, William Hurt, Michael Gambon

IMDB Rank: 6.7/10

Part 1 Time: 79 Minutes

Part 2 Time: 89 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Edward Wilson returns home to his family after spending the last six years in Europe during the World War Two campaign.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Goodnight” Edward Wilson speaks to his son Edward Wilson Jr. following his son asking him if he ever killed anyone while in Europe.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Hello father” Edward Wilson Jr. speaks to his father outside their home, children are playing outside.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? None, we understand Edward Wilson’s career and that he is very competent as a C.I.A agent. Edward must now continue his success on American soil to protect against the threat of Russia. But his professional life puts strain on his personal life.

Which part is better? The movie jumps to the past, slowly unfolding the events leading to the present. Part one highlights Edward Wilson’s involvement of early C.I.A in Europe during World War Two. Part two continues Edward Wilson’s C.I.A involvement on American soil through the 1950’s and 1960’s. Although the movie is slow moving the edge goes to part two, where the audience can see the tolls Edward’s professional life has on his personal life.

Academy Awards: Best Achievement in Art Direction (Nominated)